Trump’s Scapegoating of LGBTQI+ Persons: Over 100 Days of Shame
A calculated campaign of cruelty: using LGBTQI+ lives to justify dismantling the very systems meant to protect us all. The Trump Administration’s first 100 days provide a moment…
Legacy Archive
CGE Archive
Imported posts from the legacy Council for Global Equality WordPress.com site.
Navigating Early Termination and Close-Out of U.S. Foreign Assistance Awards
On his first day in office, President Donald Trump issued an executive order (EO), Reevaluating and Realigning United States Foreign Aid, that paused all foreign assistance disbursement and…
Visibility Shifts Narratives: Transgender Day of Visibility 2025
Today, March 31, we observe Transgender Day of Visibility, a day dedicated to celebrating the creativity, resilience, and contributions of transgender and gender diverse people around the world.…
LBQ Women Free Everyone
No woman can determine the direction of her own life without the ability to determine her sexuality. Sexuality is an integral, deeply ingrained part of every human being’s…
CPAC Celebrates the Assault on Democracy
CPAC is back in town. Always renowned for bringing together some of the most odious anti-LGBTQI+, anti-democracy figures in U.S. and global circles, the Conservative Political Action Conference…
LGBTQI+ inclusion IS effective development
(This opinion piece was originally published in Devex on February 12, 2025) Opinion: LGBTQI+ inclusion is imperative for effective aid and development To development organizations that survive the…
Defend, Delay, Litigate: Resisting the New Authoritarianism
Over the course of the first two weeks of the second Trump administration, we’ve seen the Project 2025 agenda for autocratic rule rolled out with remarkable precision. Yes,…
Marco Rubio and LGBTQI+ Human Rights
In his Senate confirmation hearing this week to serve as Secretary of State, Senator Rubio noted the immediate challenges facing the United States: “we must now confront the…
Council for Global Equality Applauds Mark Dann for Winning NILE Top Lobbyist Award
Council for Global Equality Applauds Mark Dann for Winning NILE Top Lobbyist Award The Council for Global Equality is proud to announce that Mark Dann has been recognized…
Limiting Access to the United States in a Fraught Era of Global Extremism
Given the challenging global landscape, with significant democratic backsliding and authoritarianism on the rise in many countries across all regions of the world, it is time to reexamine…
Defending Georgia’s Fragile Dream of Democracy and Inclusion
September 17, 2024 — Yesterday, the Treasury Department imposed the highest level of U.S. sanctions for human rights violations on two officials and two media figures in Georgia.…
The Perilous Impact of Democratic Backsliding on LGBTQI+ Communities
Democratic backsliding, the gradual erosion of democratic norms and institutions, poses a dire threat to the fabric of societies worldwide. Among the most vulnerable to this insidious process…
World Refugee Day ’24: For a World Where ALL Refugees Are Welcomed
“For a World Where Refugees Are Welcomed” is the aspirational theme for this year’s World Refugee Day. Every June 20th, we are reminded of the resilience and courage…
Happy IDAHOBIT!
Happy IDAHOBIT! For this year’s International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia, and Transphobia, CGE is honored to share this powerful message from Bishop Joseph Tolton. Bishop Tolton is…
“We closed the doors, but it didn’t help. LGBT people in Russia have become extremists”
Guest post from Yaroslav Rasputin, Parni PLUS (Guys PLUS) There’s a scared young man inside the cage that holds defendants in the Russian courts. Soon, he will be…
Fleeing for Identity: The Plight of LGBTQI+ Refugees and the Welcome Corps Initiative
The journey of fleeing one’s homeland is riddled with adversity for all individuals. But for those who identify as LGBTQI+, escaping persecution rooted in their sexual orientation or…
Celebrating Global Trans Advocates
These days, whether we’re looking at Texas and Florida or at Russia and Argentina, it’s far too easy to find authoritarian leaders who are weaponizing transphobia. Just the…
Global Equality Today: March 2024
As we write here in Washington, D.C., spring has arrived. Clocks have sprung forward, cherry blossoms have just peaked, and pollen allergies are back with a vengeance. Temperatures…
Project 2025: A Clear and Present Danger to Democracy
Click here for CGE’s fact sheet on the dangers Project 2025 poses to LGBTQI+ people. “The next conservative President must make the institutions of American civil society hard…
Happy International Women’s Day!
(March 8, 2024) Today, International Women’s Day, we’re excited to feature a handful of some of the fabulous and fierce lesbian, bisexual, trans, queer, and allied women working…
Don’t Sell Out LGBTQI+ Refugees & Asylum Seekers
According to numerous media reports, Senate and White House negotiators are very close to announcing a deal that would swap Democratic votes for permanent changes to the U.S.…
The War in Gaza Impacts All of Us and Democracy Too
By Julie Dorf, Co-Chair of the Council for Global Equality (January 11, 2024) As a leader in the LGBTQI+ movement and Co-chair of the U.S.-based foreign policy organization…
U.S. Sanctions Ugandan Prison Official for LGBTQI+ Abuses
December 8, 2023 – The Treasury Department today announced an international package of human rights sanctions in recognition of the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human…
Weaponization of the Pride Flag
As we celebrate Human Rights Day on December 10th, we are happy to see the continuing progress of our movement, as more and more governments, civil society organizations,…
For World AIDS Day, We Need to Reauthorize PEPFAR
December 1st marks the 35th World AIDS Day. Over the last four decades and more, we have lost far, far too many millions to HIV/AIDS. But “The end…
CGE Releases Translations of U.S. Embassy Guide
See below in English, العربية, Français, Español The Council for Global Equality is delighted to announce the translation of our recently updated guide on accessing U.S. embassies abroad,…
Trade Relations and Human Rights in Central Asia
This week, Assistant Secretary of State Don Lu is leading a U.S. delegation to Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan to discuss security partnerships, economic relations, energy policy, and human rights…
Statement on the War in Gaza and Israel
October 31, 2023 — The Council for Global Equality (CGE) mourns the pain and suffering from those brutally victimized by Hamas, as well as the Palestinian civilians who…
Uganda’s AGOA Trade Status Terminated
October 31, 2023 – President Biden yesterday notified Congress that he intends to terminate preferential trade status for four African countries – The Central African Republic, Gabon, Niger…
Ubuntu for LGBTQI+ Africans
In recent years, several African nations have enacted legislation to expand the criminalization of homosexuality. These laws pose a grave threat to the lives and freedoms of LGBTQI+…
Global Equality Today (September 2023)
Happy Autumn! (Almost) True, neither the calendar nor the temperatures in D.C. quite reflect that fall is upon us. But we’re already diving into what will certainly be…
23 Victories to Celebrate for Pride 2023
As Pride Month comes to a close, we thought we’d take a moment to look back at some of the victories we’ve seen in the movement for global…
Pride (In the Name of Human Rights and Democracy)
Pride celebrations offer countless benefits for LGBTQI+ individuals and communities as well as for society at large. These inclusive and vibrant events play a crucial role in promoting…
A Conversation with David Cicilline, Global Equality Champion
Through his dozen years in Congress, Rep. David Cicilline (D-RI) has been a steadfast champion for LGBTQI+ human rights through his leadership on the House Foreign Affairs Committee…
Revoke Uganda’s AGOA Benefits Now
June 22, 2023 – The Council for Global Equality met this month with Ambassador Katherine Tai, the U.S. Trade Representative, to call for the suspension of Uganda from…
World Refugee Day: Hope Away From Home
Today, June 20, marks World Refugee Day when we celebrate the resilience and courage of those people forced to flee their home due to persecution, conflict, climate change,…
Engaging U.S. Embassies: A Guide
As we enter Pride season, the Council for Global Equality is proud to release our updated guide to accessing U.S. embassies overseas. The guide is intended as a…
Coming Out in Putin’s Russia: A Conversation with Aleksandr Voronov
We recently had the chance to spend some time with Russian LGBTQI+ activist Aleksandr Voronov on his visit to Washington, D.C. in early May. Aleksandr — Alex, to…
The G7 Address Human Rights and LGBTQI+ Inclusion in Japan
May 19, 2023 – This weekend, the annual G7 summit is being held in Hiroshima, Japan. To open the meeting of the world’s wealthiest and most powerful democracies,…
IDAHOBIT 2023: Ending Conversion Therapy Practices Globally
Today, we celebrate IDAHOBIT, the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia, and Transphobia. IDAHOBIT’s organizers, in announcing this year’s theme — “Together Always: United in Diversity” — note…
The P7 and LGBTQI+ Human Rights in Japan
Next month, the annual G7 summit will be held in Hiroshima, Japan. Last week, in preparation for the G7 meeting taking place May 19-21, a group of LGBTQI+…
A Rainbow or a Shadow over the White House Summit for Democracy II?
by Susan Dicklitch-Nelson, Mark Bromley, Erin Hallenbeck, and Erin Maxwell On March 29 and 30, more than 100 invited countries will convene in Washington for the second White…
3 Trans Women Whose Global Activism You Should Know
Celebrating LGBTQI+ recipients of the Women of Courage Award Today is International Women’s Day, celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women around the world. Starting…
Priorities for the 118th Congress
The 118th Congress is off and … well, “running” is not quite the right verb. The Council for Global Equality understands — as do our member organizations, our…
Giving Voice to LGBTQI+ Africans at the Upcoming U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit
Starting on December 13, the Biden Administration will host leaders from across Africa at a Washington, D.C. summit to promote diplomatic and economic cooperation. The framing of the…
Dignity, Freedom, and Justice for All
On December 10th, we celebrate Human Rights Day, on the anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. For LGBTQI+ people in the United States…
Towards the Global End to Conversion Practices
In his Pride Month Executive Order, President Biden declared that the U.S. government “must safeguard LGBTQI+ youth from dangerous practices like so-called ‘conversion therapy’,” both at home and…
Why are D.C. lobbyists laundering Uzbekistan’s reputation?
The regime of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev is making a hard sell to promote the “new Uzbekistan” to the West. The benefits to Taskhent are obvious, but why are…
International Organizations Condemn the Shutdown of Ugandan Organization Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG), Call for Authorities to Reverse the Decision Immediately
August 9, 2022 – The undersigned organizations strongly condemn the decision to shut down the operations of Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG), a leading non-governmental organization committed to protecting…
USAID: Centering LGBTQI+ People and Communities in Humanitarian Responses
August 2, 2022 — Right now, we are facing some of the greatest humanitarian challenges in history. Wars, political strife and instability, climate change, and poverty are all…
Global Equality Today: July 2022 Newsletter
It’s been quite the busy few months for the Council for Global Equality, for its 32 member organizations, and indeed for LGBTQI+ human rights advocates around the world.…
Betraying Our Nation’s Promise of Equal Rights
June 24, 2022 – This morning, in a devastating attack on democracy broadly and on the rights of women and LGBTQI people specifically, the U.S. Supreme Court struck…
Groundbreaking Executive Order to Protect LBTQI Youth and Families and End Conversion Therapy
June 16, 2022 – CGE enthusiastically welcomes the new Executive Order Advancing LGBTQI+ Equality that introduces new measures to protect LGBTQI+ kids and families, in the United States…
About Pride, Liberation, and Freedom
June 1, 2022 – Happy Pride Month! This June, the Council for Global Equality and its member organizations celebrate 53 years since the Stonewall Inn rebellion. 53 years…
Urvashi Vaid: Friend, Mentor, and Champion of Global LGBTQI+ Advocacy
By Julie Dorf, Co-Chair, Council for Global Equality, May 19, 2022 — Last Saturday, after rallying for reproductive choice and before the news of the Buffalo shooting reached…
The State Department’s Annual Human Rights Reports on LGBTQI Abuses
May 18, 2022 – The State Department recently released its annual human rights reports, the Congressionally mandated catalogue of human rights challenges around the globe. While not focused…
Our Bodies, Our Lives, Our Rights: IDAHOBIT 2022
May 17, 2022 – Today marks the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia, and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT), and we welcome President Biden’s statement in which he joins “Americans across…
Hope and Fear for LGBTQI Asylum-Seekers at the U.S.-Mexico Border
May 12, 2022 — Last week the Council for Global Equality hosted five members of Congress on a tour of two shelters for LGBTQI asylum-seekers in Tijuana, Mexico.…
Title 42 Must Be Repealed to Protect LGBTQI and Other Vulnerable Refugees
April 21, 2022 – The Council for Global Equality welcomes the Biden Administration’s long overdue decision to end the use of Title 42, the discredited public health provision…
Policing Fashion and Freedom in Nigeria
April 21, 2022 – These are not easy days in Nigeria. Amid a global pandemic and severe inflation that have forced many Nigerians into untold hardship, there are…
Celebrating International Transgender Day of Visibility
March 31, 2022 – On this fourteenth International Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV), we are delighted to celebrate today’s breaking news that the U.S. State Department is making…
Global Equality Today Newsletter
March 28, 2022 — Our periodic newsletter has a roundup of U.S. global engagement to support the human rights of LGBTQI communities abroad. It is also available online…
Confirm Dr. John Nkengasong as U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator
March 24, 2022 – Last September, the White House offered its nomination of Dr. John Nkengasong to serve as Ambassador-at-Large and Coordinator of United States Government Activities to…
The Urgency of the LGBTQI Refugee Crisis
March 9, 2022 – Six months ago, the Council for Global Equality, along with five of its members and allies, wrote to Secretary of State Antony Blinken to…
Lesbian Leaders in Diplomacy
March 8, 2022 – To mark International Women’s Day, and following the confirmation of Ambassador Chantale Wong, our country’s first open lesbian ambassador, we want to celebrate rising…
Standing with Ukraine’s LGBTQI+ Community and Other Vulnerable Groups as Conflict Escalates
March 2, 2022 – Last week, as Russian forces launched a brutal invasion of Ukraine, Rep. Mike Quigley (D-IL) sent a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken…
House Passes Global Respect Act, First Global LGBTQI Bill
February 9, 2022 – The Council for Global Equality (CGE) congratulates Rep. Cicilline, Rep. Fitzpatrick and the House of Representatives for passing the Global Respect Act (H.R. 3485),…
Chantale Wong Becomes America’s First Lesbian Ambassador
February 8, 2022 – Today, the United States Senate confirmed Chantale Wong as U.S. Executive Director to the Asian Development Bank (ADB) with the rank of ambassador. With…
Looking Back on the Biden Administration’s First Year of Global LGBTQI Engagement
February 4, 2022 – A year ago today, President Biden signed the “Memorandum on Advancing the Human Rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Intersex Persons Around…
Webinar Explaining LGBTQI Report Cards
December 7, 2021 – The Council for Global Equality hosted a webinar on the margins of the Summit for Democracy to measure the extent to which countries attending…
LGBTQI Report Cards
December 6, 2021 – The Biden Administration is hosting a Summit for Democracy this week and the Council for Global Equality scored the 110 countries that have been…
Celebrating the Release of First Non-Binary U.S. Passport
October 27, 2021 – The Council for Global Equality today celebrates the State Department’s announcement that it has issued the very first U.S. passport with a non-binary X…
Why Are U.S. Embassies Prohibited from Explaining Our Country’s Embrace of the Freedom to Marry for Same-Sex Couples as a Fundamental Human Right?
October 20, 2021 – This week, sixty-one House Democrats led by Representatives Castro, Cicilline, and Titus sent a letter to the State Department calling for an end its…
Ten-Point Plan to Protect LGBTQI Afghan Refugees
September 9, 2021 – Organizations specializing in support for LGBTQI refugees released a letter today calling on the Biden Administration to adopt an urgent, ten-point plan to protect…
The Passing of Ambassador Jim Hormel
The Council for Global Equality adds these reflections to those offered by others on last week’s passing of Jim Hormel. The Council’s work is guided by the belief…
Long Overdue Milestone Achieved: The Exceptional Nomination of Chantale Wong
July 2, 2021 – The United States of America has finally nominated its first open lesbian for an Ambassador-ranked position, almost 30 years after our first openly gay…
White House Announces New Special Envoy for the Human Rights of LGBTQI+ Persons
June 25, 2021 – The Council for Global Equality congratulates Jessica Stern, tapped by the White House to serve as the State Department’s next Special Envoy for the Human Rights…
GLOBE ACT Reintroduced in Congress
June 9, 2021 — Senator Markey (D-Mass.), Senator Shaheen (D-N.H.), Senator Merkley (D-Ore.), and Representative Titus (NV-01), all champions of LGBTQI equality and members of foreign affairs committees…
The State Department Needs Human Rights Leadership: Confirm Uzra Zeya Now
June 9, 2021 — The Council for Global Equality focuses on policies, not politics. Our goal — that of advancing the human rights and community inclusion of LGBTQI…
Celebrating IDAHOBIT
May 17, 2021 – Today, we celebrate the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia, and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT), and we welcome President Biden’s statement commemorating the day. This marks…
The Human Rights of LGBTQI Persons by the Numbers
April 7, 2021 – The State Department last week released its 2020 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices. The reports are required by Congress and chronicle human rights…
Standing for the Rights of LGBTQI Persons in the State Department’s Annual Human Rights Reports
March 31, 2021 – Secretary of State Blinken yesterday released the State Department’s 2020 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices, and they reveal an all-too-familiar story of broad…
It’s Time to Fund the President’s Global LGBTQI Commitments
As the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) prepares President Biden’s first budget for federal spending in fiscal year 2022, the Administration should seize the opportunity to increase…
Most Inclusive U.S. Delegation Ever Named to UN Signals New Direction and Leadership
March 16, 2021 – The Council for Global Equality applauds Vice President Harris for her comments today at the UN’s Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), the…
Leading on LGBTQI Issues at the World Bank and in other International Financial Institutions
March 5, 2021 – As the World Bank’s annual Spring Meetings approach, it is important to reflect on President Biden’s recent far-reaching Presidential Memorandum committing that “[i]t shall…
Global Equality Today: March 2021 Newsletter
The Council for Global Equality and our thirty institutional members are actively engaged with the new Biden-Harris Administration to restore U.S. leadership in support of human rights for LGBTQI individuals…
Multilateralism is Back: Engaging the UN Human Rights Council with Humility
February 24, 2021 – Secretary of State Antony Blinken today addressed the UN Human Rights Council, the world’s leading human rights body that the Trump Administration decided to…
“Diplomacy is Back”: Presidential Leadership and the Task of Advancing LGBTQI+ Equality
February 4, 2021 – The Council for Global Equality welcomes today’s affirmation by President Biden of the primacy of robust diplomacy in American foreign policy. The President’s speech…
International Human Rights Defense Act Introduced in Congress to Promote Rights of LGBTQI Individuals Globally
February 3 – The Council for Global Equality applauds Sen. Markey and Rep. Lowenthal for reintroducing legislation to codify the State Department position of Special Envoy for the…
Linda Thomas-Greenfield at the UN
January 27, 2021 – Today, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee held a nomination hearing for Linda Thomas-Greenfield to serve as our ambassador to the United Nations. Over the…
A Day of History and Hope
As we celebrate the inauguration today, “a day of history and hope,” in a “winter of peril and significant possibilities,” in the words of President Biden’s inaugural address,…
Minimum Requirement for Foreign Affairs Posts in the Biden-Harris Administration: LGBTQI+ Competency
January 19, 2021 – Today the Senate Foreign Relations Committee will hold a nomination hearing for our next Secretary of State, Antony Blinken. Given the unprecedented challenges facing…
Free Nicholas Opiyo
On Tuesday, Ugandan officials unjustly arrested celebrated human rights lawyer Nicholas Opiyo. In violation of Ugandan law as well as both international and African human rights law, the…
Rejecting Refugees on Human Rights Day
December 10, 2020—Today is International Human Rights Day, marking the 1948 adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the birth of the modern human rights movement…
Council for Global Equality Releases Biden-Harris Transition Paper
The Council today released a new transition policy paper to encourage the incoming Biden-Harris Administration to adopt detailed proposals for each foreign affairs agency to center the rights…
The Congressional Race to Chair the House Foreign Affairs Committee
The Council for Global Equality, together with its leading human rights membership organizations, released a public letter today calling on House Democrats to vote for a new Congressional…
Pompeo’s Commission on Unalienable Rights – What Our Country Never Was and What Our Human Rights Policy Should Never Be
July 16, 2020 — The penny drops. Today, Mike Pompeo pompously unveiled a long-awaited report that could sharply limit our country’s advocacy for human rights around the world.…
Calling for Pride at State Department
The Council for Global Equality joined member organizations today to call on Secretary Pompeo to recognize LGBTI Pride month, despite his failure to do so last year. Pride…
Don’t miss our May 2020 Newsletter
A Call to Action for IDAHOBIT
May 17 – We’ve not yet seen whether the State Department will issue, this year, a statement celebrating “IDAHOBIT” — the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and…
State Department Human Rights Reports, Part III: Ghosting Reproductive Rights**
We can’t leave the subject of this year’s human rights country reports without noting, yet again, the failure of those reports to reference restrictions on reproductive rights practiced…
State Department Human Rights Reports, Part II: Undermining Trump’s Refugee Policies**
One of the more surprising aspects of this year’s country human rights reports, released in Washington last Wednesday, is that the State Department’s own findings undermine the Trump…
State Department Human Rights Reports: Is the Administration Pulling Its Punches?
While the country focuses on the rapid spread of coronavirus, and questions whether the Administration has done enough to slow that spread, another ongoing tragedy is worth both…
Mr. Pompeo’s Fraud
One of the Trump Administration’s most damnable traits has been its blatant disregard for human rights norms. The President’s embrace of the world’s worst dictators….withdrawal from the UN…
Human Rights Orgs Sue Sec. Pompeo for Unlawful Commission Designed to Redefine Human Rights, Undercut Universal Protections for Women, LGBTQI Individuals and Others
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, March 6, 2020 Unalienable Rights Commission Intent on Privileging Religious Freedom Over Other Rights, Appears Set to Provide Trump Administration Roadmap to Deny Equal…
CGE Newsletter – Global LGBTI Updates from Washington
Don’t miss our January 2020 Newsletter here.
Foote-Note
In holiday news you may have missed, the State Department quietly withdrew Daniel Foote, President Trump’s ambassador to Zambia, for angering Zambia’s president and cabinet. His misdeed? Trenchant…
GLOBE Act Introduced in the Senate
See the Senate press release here. U.S. leadership on human rights was in evidence again today, on International Human Rights Day, when Senator Markey (D-Mass.), joined by Senators…
Richard Spenser, Donald Trump, and Marshall Billingslea
Much of the attention surrounding President Trump’s ouster of Navy Secretary Richard Spenser has focused on Trump’s disregard for the order and discipline that Special Operations and other…
Pompeo’s Dangerously Misguided Human Rights Commission
Secretary Pompeo’s new “Commission on Unalienable Rights” met for five hours at the State Department yesterday to refocus our nation’s human rights policy on the principles contained in…
First Meeting of State Department’s Dangerous Commission on Unalienable Rights
This week, Secretary Pompeo’s new commission aimed at narrowing our country’s human rights advocacy to fit with the “natural law” and “natural rights” views of social and religious…
Homophobia at Pompeo’s State Department
Last month, Dr. Kiron Skinner disappeared from her job as Secretary Pompeo’s Director of Policy Planning, allegedly ousted over poor and abusive leadership that included use of homophobic…
A Call for Human Rights Submissions to U.S. Embassies
The Council for Global Equality urges LGBTI organizations and advocates around the world to submit human rights information to U.S. embassies for the State Department’s annual reports on…
Rep. Titus Introduces GLOBE Act to Protect LGBTI Rights Worldwide
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 22, 2019 Contact: Kevin Gerson Kevin.Gerson@mail.house.gov Washington, D.C. – Today Representative Dina Titus of Nevada’s First Congressional District introduced the Greater Leadership Overseas for…
Proposed US Ambassador to UN in Geneva Would Undermine LGBTI Rights – As UN Votes to Renew Mandate of Expert on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity, US Senate Considers Extremist Ambassador Who Would Sabotage That Work
The UN Human Rights Council voted today to renew the mandate of its expert on sexual orientation and gender identity. The vote gives the UN the political and…
Trump Administration Torpedoes Human Rights at State Department
Earlier today, Secretary Pompeo formally launched a new commission aimed at narrowing our country’s human rights advocacy to fit with the “natural law” and “natural rights” views of…
No Pride at State: 26 Human Rights and LGBTI Advocacy Groups Urge State Department to Clarify Policy Around Embassies and Dismantle ‘Natural Rights’ Commission
The Trump/Pence Administration’s exceptionally weak commitment to human rights and LGBTI rights just got a lot weaker. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has green-lighted a new “Commission on…
Election 2020: Our Challenge to Presidential Candidates
Download our position paper here. Suggested candidate questions. The 2020 presidential elections are a crucible for our country, from many perspectives. These include the place of respect and…
Celebrating the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia by Opposing Homophobic, Transphobic Leadership at the State Department
May 17, 2019 – Today, as we join colleagues around the world in celebrating the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOTB), it’s worth asking why President…
Ending the Lavender Scare
On May 1, Senator Menendez introduced legislation to mitigate the consequences of the “Lavender Scare” – the1950’s-era witch hunt that resulted in the dismissal of hundreds of State…
The Wall Facing LGBTI Refugees and Asylum Seekers
Read our Appeal to the Trump Administration While Congress and the courts deliberate on the legitimacy of the President’s emergency declaration for a wall along our border with…
Robert Destro Can’t Credibly Lead America’s Human Rights Policy
The Council rarely takes positions on nominations for high-level positions. However, we urge that the Senate Foreign Relations Committee vote against Robert Destro’s nomination to serve as Assistant…
The Question Looming Over Trump Nominee Robert Destro
To the Council for Global Equality, the protection of human rights globally is hardly a luxury. It’s integral to democratic values, to humanitarian values, and to the genuine…
State Department Releases Human Rights Reports
The State Department’s annual country human rights reports were released today, to little fanfare. And the news of the day – Paul Manafort’s sentencing and his parallel indictment…
Investigation and Legislation
Like many, we were struck by the false alternative given in President Trump’s “State of the Union” address between legislation and investigation. Surely the Congress has the constitutional…
Wall Debate Holds U.S. Strategic Interests Hostage
Rarely does the Council wade into matters beyond its immediate concern for the human rights of LGBTI people around the world. But we cannot be silent when President…
December 2018 Newsletter
** The Council for Global Equality respectfully offers this edition of “Global Equality Today” – a periodic newsletter to inform Hill staff of priority policy issues impacting LGBTI…
Congress Introduces GLOBE Act
#GLOBEAct December 13, 2018 — Today’s introduction of the “Greater Leadership Overseas for the Benefit of Equality (GLOBE) Act” by House Representative Dina Titus (D-NV) represents a high-water…
Freedom of Religion – A Matter of Effective Balancing
This October, the State Department is scheduled to convene a three-day public-private partnership workshop, part of the new “Boldline Religious Freedom” initiative, aimed at protecting the rights of…
The Equal Rights Coalition Gains Momentum on the Global Stage
Created two years ago at an international conference in Uruguay, the Equal Rights Coalition (ERC) is a new intergovernmental coalition of 40 governments and leading civil society and…
U.S. Joins 14 Countries in Calling for a Response to LGBTI Atrocities in Chechnya
At a large human rights meeting in Warsaw, Poland, the United States and 14 other governments are trying to hold Russia accountable for atrocities committed against its LGBT…
India’s Supreme Court Decision is a Victory for Global Equality
September 6, 2018 — The Supreme Court of India today issued a unanimous decision decriminalizing same-sex relationships across the country. The landmark case, which combines careful legal reasoning…
Remembering Senator McCain’s Commitment to Human Rights
Last December, U.S. Senators John McCain and Ben Cardin sent a letter to President Trump on the anniversary of Human Rights Day, urging him to “recommit our country…
The Missing Human Rights Dialogue Between Trump and Putin
Under fire for his relationship with Vladimir Putin, President Trump nonetheless will meet with the Russian despot on July 16 in Helsinki, and he has said that it…
Reflections On Pride This Year
As Pride season ends, some reflections come to mind – less on Pride celebrations per se than on this Administration’s approach to global LGBTI fairness and equality. Our…
Who’s Hypocritical Now?
In announcing the Trump Administration’s decision to withdraw U.S. participation from the UN Human Rights Council, Secretary of State Pompeo decried the Council as being “…an exercise in…
Alliances for Solidarity: The Theme for International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOTB) 2018
May 17, 2018 The global theme for this year’s International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOTB) is “alliances for solidarity.” With that in mind, the Council for…
A Call on Secretary Pompeo to Respond to Rising Violence and Discrimination Against LGBTI People Globally
Newly confirmed Secretary of State Mike Pompeo pledged, in answers to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, that he will “…ensure that human rights, democracy, and the equal treatment…
Ramazon Kadyrov and Ayub Kataev Sanctioned by the United States Government for Human Rights Violations
The latest “Magnitsky List” – individuals sanctioned by the United States government for human rights violations in Russia – contains welcome news for those seeking justice for the…
McCain & Cardin Urge President Trump To Recommit To Upholding Human Rights
Press Statement from Sen. John McCain and Sen. Ben Cardin Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators John McCain (R-AZ), Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and Ben Cardin (D-MD),…
Funding Opportunity: Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor Request for Statements of Interest: Promotion and Protection of the Human Rights of LGBTI Persons
The Global Equality Fund (GEF), managed by the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL) announces a Request for Statements of Interest (SOIs) from civil society to…
The Council for Global Equality calls on Congress to support DREAMERS
An estimated 75,000 DREAMERs are believed to be lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. As important as the DREAM Act is to our country’s humanitarian values and image, it’s…
State Department Retains LGBTI Special Envoy: What Does It Mean? Will it Respond to Global Call from LGBT Advocates?
Last week’s Congressional notification that the Trump Administration has decided not to abolish the LGBTI human rights Special Envoy position was an unexpected surprise. We know there are…
Kenya’s Reelected Leader Must End Horrifying Anal Exams
Repost from the Advocate Kenya, the economic and political powerhouse of Eastern and Central Africa, held an election this week to choose the fifth president of the country…
Council for Global Equality Releases Human Rights Rebuke in Advance of Trump-Putin Meeting this Week
Leading human rights and LGBT organizations in the Council for Global Equality wrote to Secretary Tillerson to express outrage at the Administration’s continued denigration of the value that…
House LGBT Caucus Commends Foreign Affairs Committee Approval of Bipartisan Chechnya Resolution
Washington D.C.— The Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus commended the House Foreign Affairs Committee (HFAC) for passing H.Res.351, a bipartisan resolution condemning the detention, torture, and murders of gay…
Ending the Lavender Scare: Why the Love Act of 2017 Matters
By Michael Guest On June 22, Senator Cardin introduced legislation to mitigate the consequences of the “Lavender Scare” – the1950’s-era witch hunt that resulted in the dismissal of…
World Refugee Day: #LGBTrefugeeswelcome
For World Refugee Day, we stand with the millions of refugees who have been forced to flee their homes to seek safety in distant lands. The current levels…
USAID Nominee Should Affirm that Investments in LGBT Development Have Real Impact
President Trump has nominated Ambassador Mark Green as the new Administrator for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). The Council looks forward to his confirmation hearing, where…
Ros-Lehtinen, Engel, Issa, Cicilline, Royce, and Smith Introduce Bipartisan Resolution on Violence in Chechnya
May 23, 2017 (Washington, DC) – U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Chairman of the Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa, made the following statement after introducing…
OAS LGBTI Core Group Statement: International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia
Joint Statement Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs Washington, DC May 17, 2017 Today, on May 17, the members of the OAS LGBTI Core Group (Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile,…
Statement from U.S. Ambassador Nikki Haley on Reports of Detentions and Killings in Chechnya
Statement from Ambassador Nikki Haley We continue to be disturbed by reports of kidnapping, torture, and murder of people in Chechnya based on their sexual orientation and those…
Governments Step Up for Reproductive Rights
Repost from Human Rights Watch ‘She Decides’ Summit to Counter Trump’s ‘Global Gag Rule’ (Brussels) – Governments should pledge political and financial support for sexual and reproductive health…
Cardin Statement on LGBT Rights, Issues at Start of Trump Administration
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement Tuesday: “At the confirmation hearings of Rex Tillerson and…
Rex Tillerson’s Nomination
When Rex Tillerson goes before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Wednesday, he should be given the professional respect to which anyone of his achievement is entitled. But…
U.S. State Department Should Apologize for “Lavender Scare”
The Obama Administration clearly deserves great credit for turning the page on our country’s inattention to LGBT human rights abuse abroad. And we’re immensely proud of the State…
Remarks opposing a UN General Assembly Amendment to Delay the Mandate of the UN Independent Expert on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
Ambassador Samantha Power U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations U.S. Mission to the United Nations New York City December 19, 2016 AS DELIVERED Thank you, Mr. President.…
SOGI Mandate Safeguarded in Face of Hostility
Joint Civil Society Press Statement 21 November 2016 (New York) — The United Nations mandate of the Independent Expert on sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) has been…
Statement by Secretary Kerry: Transgender Day of Remembrance
Repost from U.S. Department of State On Transgender Day of Remembrance, the United States solemnly honors the memory of the many transgender individuals who lost their lives to…
U.S. State Department’s Recognition of Intersex Awareness Day
Press Statement from John Kirby, Assistant Secretary and Department Spokesperson, Bureau of Public Affairs On the occasion of Intersex Awareness Day, the United States stands in solidarity with intersex persons around…
OAS LGBTI Core Group Welcomes Supreme Court Decision on Consensual Private Sexual Acts Between Adults in Belize
Press Statement from OAS LGBTI Core Group The Governments of Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, the United States, and Uruguay, the members of the OAS LGBTI Core…
When The U.S. Backs Gay And Lesbian Rights In Africa, Is There A Backlash?
Repost from NPR Everyone knew President Obama would say something about gay rights when he made his visit to Kenya last summer. Many American activists were pressing him…
House LGBT Caucus Remembers Slain Turkish Transgender Activist Hande Kader
Press Statement – Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus Washington, D.C. – The Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus mourned the senseless murder of 22-year-old Turkish transgender activist Hande Kader and called on the…
Mark Bromley Testifies Before the U.S. Congress
Council Chair Mark Bromley testified before the U.S. Congress in a hearing focused on “Human Rights Under Siege Worldwide.” The hearing was convened on the one-month anniversary of…
United Nations Makes History on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
Press Statement from coalition of civil society organizations UN human rights body establishes an Independent Expert (Geneva, June 30, 2016) In a defining vote, the United Nations Human Rights Council…
Remarks by Ambassador Samantha Power at the White House Dialogue on Global LGBT Human Rights
Ambassador Samantha Power U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations U.S. Mission to the United Nations Washington, DC June 29, 2016 AS DELIVERED It’s amazing to be here…
Diversity In All of its Forms is a Shared Civic Value
Last weekend’s brutal massacre at an LGBT nightclub in Orlando is a stunning reminder that homophobic hatred continues to scar both our community and our country. Our hearts…
LGBTQ Organizations Call for Unity in the Wake of Orlando Shooting
Statement in Arabic, Spanish, and French We the undersigned organizations working on the front lines of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) movement share in the…
U.S. Department of State Commemorates International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (IDAHOT)
Repost from U.S. Department of State John Kerry, Secretary of State Washington, DC On International Day Against Homophoia, Transphobia, and Biphobia, we stand in solidarity with lesbian, gay, bisexual,…
Deteriorating Human Rights in The Gambia
May 3, 2016 – The Council for Global Equality joined 15 leading human rights organizations in writing to the State Department and the White House this week to…
State Department Reports on Bias-Motivated Violence
April 21, 2016 – Last week, the State Department released its accounting of human rights abuses committed in 2015. As usual, this year’s human rights report offers disturbing pictures…
Nisha Ayub Receives the 2016 Woman of Courage Award
The Council for Global Equality congratulates Nisha Ayub, Director of SEED Malaysia, for receiving the 2016 Woman of Courage award from Secretary of State John Kerry at a…
Michael Guest: Anti-immigrant rhetoric ‘painful to hear’
Repost from the Washington Blade Former U.S. Ambassador to Romania Michael Guest on Monday spoke forcefully against the anti-immigrant rhetoric that many Republican presidential candidates have used on…
India: Supreme Court Revisits “Sodomy” Law
Repost from Human Rights Watch India’s Supreme Court agreed on February 2, 2016, to hear an appeal of its2013 decision that upheld a discriminatory law criminalizing same-sex relations,…
HHS is First Federal Agency to Prohibit Discrimination in Services in Overseas Contracts
As of February 1, 2016, all foreign entities that enter into contracts with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (which includes the National Institutes of Health…
LGBT Human Rights and Foreign Policy
The Council for Global Equality posted a series of four blog posts on LGBT human rights issues and foreign policy over the past week. The posts touch on…
Matters of the Heart
Our country increasingly has come to terms with the need for fairness toward LGBT Americans – and few have questioned the premise that LGBT human rights abuse, like…
Governments and Human Rights
The Council pays particular attention to the role that foreign governments play, or fail to play, in preserving and advancing the rights of their LGBT citizens. In our…
LGBT Human Rights in U.S. Foreign Policy
A December 20 New York Times story alleged that U.S. attention to discrimination and hate crimes against LGBT people in Nigeria had worsened, in fact, their plight. Others…
The Place of Human Rights
Another new year. Another chance to put things right. For the Council for Global Equality, that means elevating the place of human rights – including those of LGBT,…
Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Tom Malinowski and Ugandan Activist Frank Mugisha Respond to New York Times article “U.S. Support of Gay Rights in Africa May Have Done More Harm Than Good”
To the Editor: “American Support for Gay Rights May Leave Africans Vulnerable” (front page, Dec. 21) does a disservice to Africans and others around the world defending human…
Nigerian activists respond to New York Times article “U.S. Support of Gay Rights in Africa May Have Done More Harm Than Good”
The Coalition for the Defense of Sexual Rights (CDSR) has issued a statement regarding the recent article published by New York Times alleging that US supports for LGBT…
Council for Global Equality Calls on U.S. Senators to Reject Legislation Abandoning Syrian Refugees
November 25 — Members of the Council for Global Equality today sent a letter to U.S. Senators calling on them to reject legislation, already passed in the House…
Engel Statement on Efforts to Advance LGBT Rights in Inter-American Development Bank Projects in the Americas
Press Statement from House Committee on Foreign Affairs Democratic Office WASHINGTON, DC—Representative Eliot L. Engel, the Ranking Member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, made the following…
Twelve UN Agencies Issue Unprecedented Joint Statement on Rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender & Intersex People
Press statement from Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) In an unprecedented joint initiative, 12 UN agencies* today issued a powerful joint call to action…
Thailand Acts to End LGBT Discrimination
Repost from Human Rights Watch Thailand has taken a big step in protecting transgender people from discrimination. Earlier this month, Thailand’s Gender Equality Act came into effect, signaling…
US government says it will now use the term ‘sexual rights’
Repost from the Washington Post UNITED NATIONS — The U.S. government says it will begin using the term “sexual rights” in discussions of human rights and global development.…
World Bank: It’s Time to Stand Up to Economic Discrimination
The World Bank’s website professes two primary missions: to end poverty, on the one hand, and to “promote shared prosperity by fostering the income growth of the bottom…
UN Security Council Holds Inaugural Meeting on LGBT Issues
Repost from statement issued by U.S. Department of State Today, members of the UN Security Council held their first Arria-formula meeting on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) issues,…
UNAIDS calls on trade negotiators to uphold governments’ commitments to public health and access to medicines
Repost from UNAIDS GENEVA, 28 July 2015—As the world celebrates the achievement of reaching 15 million people with HIV treatment and commits to ending the AIDS epidemic by…
The State of LGBT Rights Abroad
The three-month-late State Department release of the 2014 country human rights reports on June 25 passed largely under the radar. We’ll leave aside the obvious question as to…
Employee Plus One: Marriage and the War for Talent
By Michael Guest, Senior Advisor, The Council for Global Equality, as published in The Foreign Service Journal In 2001, I was sworn in as our country’s first Senate-confirmed,…
A Whole-of-Government Approach to Trade
President Obama’s groundbreaking December 2011 Presidential Memorandum calls for a cross-agency, whole-of-government approach to addressing LGBT human and civil rights shortcomings abroad. That effort surely will be a…
LGBT and Intersex Youth Issues in Development
In honor of the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (IDAHOT), the Council for Global Equality is pleased to release the report from the 2014 Conference to…
America’s new LGBT envoy
Repost from Politico by NAHAL TOOSI When officials at the State Department began mulling the notion of creating a special LGBT envoy, there was some trepidation. A few worried…
Obama Applauds LGBT Advocate During Jamaica Speech
Repost from The Washington Blade President Obama on Thursday applauded a prominent Jamaican LGBT rights advocate as he spoke during a town hall meeting in the country’s capital.…
China Detains Women’s Rights Activists on International Women’s Day
Repost from Human Rights First by Darren Gan Five Chinese women’s rights activists are still missing after authorities detained at least ten on March 6. Most of them…
Engel Sends Bipartisan Letter to USAID Urging Funding for LGBT Rights in Central America
Press Statement from Rep. Eliot L. Engel MARCH 12, WASHINGTON, DC— Today, Representative Eliot L. Engel, the ranking Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, was joined by Reps.…
USAID Releases Report: “Toolkit for Integrating LGBT Rights Activities into Programming in the Europe & Eurasia Region”
USAID recently released the report Toolkit for Integrating LGBT Rights Activities into Programming in the Europe & Eurasia Region, which contains resources to assist Agency staff and implementing…
Welcome Reception to Commemorate the Announcement of Randy Berry, First-ever Special Envoy for the Human Rights of LGBT Persons
Secretary of State John Kerry is hosting a welcome reception to commemorate the announcement of Randy Berry as the first-ever Special Envoy for the Human Rights of LGBT…
Sen. Markey & Rep. Lowenthal Introduce Legislation Affirming U.S. Commitment to International LGBT Rights
Press Statement from the office of Senator Edward J. Markey Washington (January 29, 2015) – In the wake of President Obama’s commitment in the State of the Union to…
Advocacy Groups Seek U.S. Travel Ban Against Gambian President
Repost from the Washington Blade More than a dozen LGBT advocacy groups on Friday called upon the Obama administration ban Gambian officials responsible for human rights abuses from…
President Recognizes Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Americans for the First Time in State of the Union Speech
“As Americans, we respect human dignity, even when we’re threatened, which is why I’ve prohibited torture, and worked to make sure our use of new technology like drones…
Global LGBT Rights Advocates Send Joint Letter to President Obama
A group of 24 leading LGBT rights advocates from every region of the world sent a joint letter to President Obama in late December asking him to stand…
U.S. Kicks African Nation From Trade Agreement Over Anti-LGBT Crackdown
Repost from BuzzFeed The United States on Tuesday dropped The Gambia from a popular free trade agreement in response to a crackdown on LGBT rights and other human…
US Should Act Against Gambia’s Dictatorship
Repost from AlJazeera.com On Oct. 9, longtime Gambian President Yahya Jammeh quietly signed into law a new bill that carries a penalty of life imprisonment for “aggravated homosexuality.”…
Obama Administration Brings Global LGBTI Community Together to Advance Human Rights and Development
Repost from the White House blog Last month, the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Development, where I work, co-hosted the third-annual Conference to…
To consolidate an Obama legacy, entrench support for global LGBT rights
Repost from The Hill by Raymond Smith With attention increasingly turning to the legacy of the Obama administration, one area of civil rights seems sure to be viewed…
International Olympic Committee Adopts Proposal to Include Sexual Orientation in Principle 6 of the Olympic Charter
Today the International Olympic Committee (IOC) unanimously voted in favor of adopting “Proposal 14” of the Olympic Agenda 2020. This vote will add non-discrimination language regarding sexual orientation in…
ORAM Congratulates EU Court of Justice for Landmark Decision on Credibility Assessment in LGBTI Asylum Claims
Press Statement from ORAM The Court of Justice of the European Union has issued a landmark decision on assessing the credibility of sexual minority asylum seekers. In A,…
Reflecting UN Progress on Transgender Day of Remembrance
November 20, 2014 — Today, on Transgender Day of Remembrance, we remember brave transgender individuals around the world who have been killed because of who they are or…
President Kim’s Clarion Call
Repost from Huffington Post by Maria Burnett (Human Rights Watch) In February, the World Bank delayed a $90 million loan for health care in Uganda out of concern…
U.N. Human Rights Council adopts LGBT resolution
Press Statement from ARC International (Geneva, September 26, 2014) – The United Nations Human Rights Council resolution on combatting violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender…
Joint CSO Letter to World Bank on Discrimination in Uganda’s Health Sector
Dr. Jim Yong Kim President The World Bank 1818 H St. NW Washington DC 20433 Dear Dr. Kim: We write to follow up on our letters of April…
AJWS and Human Rights Organizations Meet with White House to Make the Case for a Special U.S. Envoy for LGBT Rights
Repost from American Jewish World Service Washington D.C. – American Jewish World Service (AJWS) and a coalition of advocacy and human rights organizations met with White House officials…
LGBTI Rights Around the World: A Work in Progress
Repost: IRIN Humanitarian News BANGKOK (IRIN) — In recent years, the world has seen enormous human rights gains with respect to sexual orientation and gender identity and expression.…
Gambia: President Should Reject Homophobic Law
Repost from Human Rights Watch (Dakar) – President Yahya Jammeh of Gambia should not sign a new Criminal Code amendment that would increase the punishment for “aggravated homosexuality”…
International Law and the Uncertainty of Rights for LGBT People
Repost from Human Rights Watch Written by Graeme Reid For lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT)people the law is a paradox. The law can operate as an instrument…
Uganda’s Constitutional Court Strikes Down Anti-Homosexuality Law
August 1, 2014 — The Council for Global Equality welcomes the decision today by Uganda’s Constitutional Court to strike down that country’s odious “Anti-Homosexuality” Law. The Court determined…
Council Calls for President Obama to Raise LGBT Issues at Africa Summit
In August, President Obama will host the first-ever U.S.- Africa Summit. The theme, “Investing in the Next Generation,” raises the hope that the next generation of LGBT Africans will…
Supporting LGBT Workplace Equality is Good For Business
The Council for Global Equality welcomes the President’s leadership in signing a new Executive Order to protect LGBT workers in the United States. Now it’s time to apply…
Obama’s Evangelical Gravy Train
Repost from The Nation by Andy Kopsa Despite the president’s promise to cut funding to discredited HIV and pregnancy prevention programs, taxpayer dollars are still bankrolling anti-gay, anti-choice…
Tierney Introduces Bipartisan International Human Rights Defense Act
From the Office of John F. Tierney Bill would make LGBT equality a critical U.S. international human rights priority WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman John F. Tierney (D-MA),…
Video: Secretary Kerry Delivers Remarks at the GLIFAA Pride Event
If you cannot see the video please follow this link On June 19, Secretary of State, John Kerry addressed the audience at the LGBT+ Pride in Foreign Affairs Agencies (GLIFAA)…
The Department of State Joins the World in Celebrating LGBT Pride Month
Repost from the U.S. Department of State The Department of State joins the world in celebrating LGBT Pride Month and reaffirms its commitment to the promotion and protection…
The Council for Global Equality Welcomes the White House Efforts to Protect Human Rights in Uganda
The Council for Global Equality welcomes today’s White House announcement of new, concrete steps in our country’s bilateral relationship with Uganda in response to President Museveni’s decision to…
Further U.S. Efforts to Protect Human Rights in Uganda
Statement from The White House Written by Grant Harris and Stephen Pomper Our hopes for a more peaceful and just world depend on respect for the rights and…
U.S. Agency for International Development Releases its LGBT Vision for Action
“This Vision outlines our Agency’s commitment—both in Washington and abroad—to include LGBT considerations in every area of our work, and in every place we work.” – Rajiv Shah,…
Advancing the Human Rights of LGBT Persons in Partnership With the Private Sector
Reblog from DipNote, written by Assistant Secretary Tom Malinowski Last week during a reception held in the Treaty Room of the Department of State, I was proud to…
Council for Global Equality Co-Sponsoring Two Films at the San Francisco International LGBT Film Festival
The Council for Global Equality is proud to be a Frameline Community Sponsor for the 38th Annual San Francisco International Film Festival taking place in San Francisco from June 19 through…
More than 170 International Groups Demand Protection of LGBT Free Expression
On International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHOT) over 170 organizations from all over the world (including The Council for Global Equality) call on states to protect LGBT…
International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia
This week we join with the worldwide LGBT community in celebrating IDAHOT – the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia. Celebrated on May 17 – the 1990 date…
Statement from Ambassador Deborah Birx, M.D., U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator, on the Passage of the HIV Prevention and Control Act by the Ugandan Parliament
From The United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief I am deeply concerned by yesterday’s passage of the HIV Prevention and Control Act by the Ugandan Parliament. From…
The World Bank: Why It Should Consider Gay Rights
The Council for Global Equality participated in the set of meetings referenced in the article below. The Council also helped bring LGBT human rights activists to Washington DC…
Syariah Law in the Penal Code of Brunei: Stoning is Inhuman, Uncompassionate, and a Gross Violation of Human Rights
Press Statement by the ASEAN SOGIE Caucus(ASC) The ASEAN SOGIE Caucus (ASC) condemns the regressive and inhuman revision of the penal code of Brunei Darussalam that introduces stoning…
Deep Currents of Prejudice Against Sexual Minorities in “The Economist”
Guest blog by Fabrice Houdart, The World Bank. In my opinion, The Economist article “Right cause, wrong battle: Why the World Bank’s focus on gay rights is misguided” is…
Barney Frank Blasts Uganda Over Anti-Gay Law
Repost from the Washington Blade Former Massachusetts Congressman Barney Frank on Wednesday blasted the Ugandan government over a law that imposes a life sentence upon anyone found guilty…
Spread of Russian-Style Anti-Propaganda Laws
Repost from Human Rights First We saw what Putin can do to LGBT Russians while the international media was camped in Sochi covering the XXII Winter Olympiad. What…
From St Patrick’s Day to the “Anti-Gay” Laws: The Common Theme of the Invisibilization of Homosexuality
Guest Blogger: Fabrice Houdart, President World Bank GLOBE As St Patrick’s Day parade organizers in Boston and New York were arguing today that the parade “isn’t a sexually oriented parade”…
Kerry Likens Uganda Anti-Gay Law to Anti-Semitism and Apartheid
Repost from Reuters (Reuters) – U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry on Wednesday likened new anti-gay legislation in Uganda that imposes harsh penalties for homosexuality to anti-Semitic laws…
Comments Of Senator Patrick Leahy On Uganda President Museveni’s Signing Of The Anti-Homosexuality Bill
February 25, 2014 – I am deeply concerned by the decision of President Museveni of Uganda to sign into law the anti-homosexuality bill. I support Secretary of State Kerry…
U.S. Secretary of State on the Enactment of Ugandan Anti-Homosexuality Bill
This is a tragic day for Uganda and for all who care about the cause of human rights. Ultimately, the only answer is repeal of this law. The…
Statement by the White House Press Secretary on Uganda
THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary Instead of standing on the side of freedom, justice, and equal rights for its people, today, regrettably, Ugandan President Museveni…
Anti-LBGT Rhetoric in The Gambia
Press Statement John Kerry Secretary of State Washington, DC February 19, 2014 The United States is deeply troubled by the hateful rhetoric used by President Jammeh in his…
UNAIDS expresses deep concern over impact of Ugandan bill on the rights of gay men
Press Statement from UNAIDS If signed into law the controversial bill would toughen punishments against gay people in Uganda GENEVA, 18 February 2014—UNAIDS is deeply concerned about a…
Statement by President Barack Obama on the Anti-Homosexuality Bill in Uganda
THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 16, 2014 As a country and a people, the United States has consistently stood for the…
Officials: Uganda’s leader to sign anti-gay bill
Repost from the Associated Press KAMPALA, Uganda (AP) — Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni plans to sign a bill into law that prescribes life imprisonment for some homosexual acts, officials…
Op-Ed “Demonizing Gays in Africa”
Repost from the New York Times, By THE EDITORIAL BOARD As acceptance of gays and lesbians has grown in the United States and Europe, intolerance and persecution has been rising…
Tammy Baldwin, Susan Collins, David Cicilline and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen Pen Op-Ed “Human Rights Issues Pollute Olympic Spirit”
Repost from USA Today Host countries should promote tolerance. IOC failed on this principle in picking Russia. On Friday, the world will come together to open the Olympic…
Ban Ki-moon condemns persecution of gay people in Russia
Repost from The Guardian The United Nations secretary-general has used a speech ahead of theWinter Olympics in Sochi to condemn attacks on the LGBT community, amid growing criticism of Russia‘s so-called “gay…
Attorney General Eric Holder Delivers Remarks at the Parliament of Sweden
Attorney General Eric Holder addressed the Swedish Parliament today and pledged continued support by the U.S. Government to advance the equality of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender people.…
Last Law in Europe Criminalizing Homosexuality is Scrapped, in First Win for the Human Dignity Trust
Press Statement from Human Dignity Trust London-based legal organisation the Human Dignity Trust, which exists to support local challenges to anti-gay laws, is today celebrating its first win.…
Evangelicals Are Winning The Gay Marriage Fight — in Africa and Russia
Repost from National Journal Long before President Obama selected three gay athletes to lead the American delegation to the Sochi Olympics, long before President Vladimir Putin declared Russia…
State Department Expresses “Deep Concern with Nigeria’s Enactment of the Same Sex Marriage Prohibition Act”
Press Statement: John Kerry, Secretary of State Washington, DC January 13, 2014 The United States is deeply concerned by Nigeria’s enactment of the Same Sex Marriage Prohibition Act.…
Rep. Eliot Engel Statement on Uganda Anti-Homosexuality Bill
“To be clear, the passage of this legislation is a stain on the human rights record of Uganda, and appears to be part of a troubling trend of…
Uganda Passes Odious Anti-LGBT Law
The Council for Global Equality joins our colleagues in Uganda and around the world in condemning the adoption today of a harsh, anti-gay law that sentences LGBT Ugandans…
Advocates for LGBT Equality Launch Freedom Fund to Support LGBT Russians
The Arcus Foundation, the Council for Global Equality and the Open Society Foundations announced the establishment of the Russia Freedom Fund in November to provide financial support directly…
President Obama Announces Presidential Delegations to the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the 2014 Olympic Winter Games
President Barack Obama today announced the designation of Presidential Delegations to the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the 2014 Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russian Federation. Presidential Delegation…
India’s Gay-Rights Movement Rises Up After Supreme Court Criminalizes Homosexuality
Repost from Time A controversial Supreme Court ruling on Wednesday morning that reinstated an archaic colonial law criminalizing homosexuality incited outrage among activists and gay-rights supporters in India. Hundreds gathered at…
India Supreme Court Upholds Sodomy Law
Repost from BuzzFeed by J. Lester Feder The top court in the world’s second-largest nation says it’s up to parliament to decide on undoing the law criminalizing same-sex…
For LGBT Donors, Russia Is The New Marriage
Repost from BuzzFeed, by J. Lester Feder Can the strategies that turned the U.S. LGBT movement into a money machine work when the fight goes abroad? Melissa Etheridge headlined…
U.S. Mission to the United Nations: Remarks at a Roundtable Strategy Session on International LGBT Rights
As delivered by Ambassador Samantha Power, U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations I’d like to welcome you to the U.S. Mission to the United Nations, and I’d…
The History of LGBT Rights at the United Nations
For Human Rights Day, the OHCHR Free & Equal campaign released a new video that traces the evolution of the LGBT rights debate at the UN. It’s a…
Human Rights: Advancing American Interests and Values
National Security Advisor Susan E. Rice addressed the participants of the Human Rights First 2013 Summit in Washington DC yesterday, in her speech Amb. Rice stressed that advancing…
The IACHR creates Rapporteurship to address issues of Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Gender Expression, and Body Diversity
Washington D.C. – On November 8, 2013, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) decided to create a Rapporteurship on the Rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and…
Why Inclusion of Sexual Minorities Is Crucial to Gender Equality
Repost from The World Bank by Fabrice Houdart In previous articles we discussed why inclusion of sexual minorities is instrumental to the World Bank’s goal of shared prosperity…
Transgender Day of Remembrance Reminds Society That Trans Lives Are Valuable
Repost from The Huffington Post Blog – by Eòghann Renfroe Transgender Day of Remembrance is a day for all of us to come together to memorialize and honor…
Open Letter to President Putin on Russia’s Discriminatory Anti-LGBT Laws
Washington DC, November 15, 2013 Dear President Putin: Like many of our generation, we have applauded Russia’s 20-year turn toward democracy, confident in the prospect it lays not only…
Malawi High Court weighs overturning anti-gay law
Repost from Erasing 76 Crimes Malawi’s anti-gay law faced a new challenge this week as the Malawi High Court decided to review the constitutionality of the country’s ban…
What We Need From the Next Head of PEPFAR
Dr. Eric Goosby stepped down from his role as U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator this month. As the White House and the State Department consider Dr. Goosby’s replacement, the…
Human Rights Affirming Remarks During The Peace and Sport International Forum
United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon’s statement during the 7th Peace and Sport International Forum in Monaco. I am pleased to send greetings to all participants at the…
Advancing the Human Rights of LGBT Persons in Europe and Beyond
Repost from DipNote by Uzra Zeya, Acting Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor I was honored to represent the United States government at the International Lesbian, Gay,…
Protecting and Promoting LGBT Rights in Europe
Remarks by Uzra Zeya Acting Assistant Secretary Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor ILGA-Europe Annual Conference 2013 Zagreb, Croatia October 24, 2013 First, thank you very much Evelyne and…
Moldova Repeals “Gay Propaganda” Ban
Repost from GayStar News The former Eastern Bloc country of Moldova has decided to repeal its ban on the so-called propaganda of homosexuality to minors in the hopes…
Health Authorities Pledge to Improve Access to Health Care for LGBT People
Washington, DC, 3 October 2013 (PAHO/WHO) — Health authorities from throughout the Americas pledged to promote equitable access to health care for lesbians, homosexuals, bisexuals and transsexuals (LGBT),…
Secretary of State John Kerry’s Remarks at the LGBT Ministerial Event
September 26, 2013, New York, New York SECRETARY KERRY: Well, thank you very much (inaudible). Thank you, and I apologize to all of my colleagues for being a little…
Russian Civil Society Leaders Inspire
Repost From Ambassador Michael McFaul Despite a packed G-20 schedule filled with meetings on economic issues and the situation in Syria, President Obama also took the time while…
Remarks by President Obama in Roundtable with Russian Civil Society Leaders
President Barack Obama met with civil society advocates in St. Petersburg today to hear their concerns and to assure them that his administration will continue to press the…
High Hopes as Obama Prepares to Meet with Russian Gay Activists
Repost from the Washington Blade President Obama is set to meet with a group of human rights advocates in Russia on Friday, including representatives of LGBT rights groups…
Court Allows Lawsuit Against U.S. Pastor for Helping with Uganda Anti-Gay Bill
Repost from the Washington Blade A federal district court in Massachusetts announced on Wednesday it will allow a case to proceed against evangelical Christian Scott Lively for unlawfully…
Ambassador Eisen Marches in Pride Parade
Repost from The Prague Post U.S. Ambassador to the Czech Republic Norman Eisen marched in the Prague Pride 2103 Parade, carrying the second banner after one held by…
Pro-gay U.S. firms face hurdles in antigay Russia
Repost from the San Francisco Chronicle The company has a rock-solid policy of “inclusion and diversity” in the workplace and numerous LGBT employees, and it was one of…
President Rejects Calls to Boycott Olympics Over Anti-Gay Law
Repost from The Hill President Obama on Friday rejected calls for the United States to boycott the 2014 Winter Olympics in Russia. “I know that one question that’s…
The Facts on LGBT Rights in Russia
In recent weeks, public attention to the ongoing crackdown on LGBT rights in the Russian Federation and its potential impact on the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia in February 2014 has…
House Members Urge Secretary Kerry to Protect LGBT People at 2014 Sochi Olympics
A bipartisan group of 87 House members have signed on to a letter asking Secretary Kerry, “what diplomatic measures the State Department is planning to take to ensure…
U.S. Says Visas From Gay Spouses Will Get Equal Treatment
Repost from Reuters LONDON (Reuters) – The United States will immediately begin considering visa applications of gay and lesbian spouses in the same manner as heterosexual couples, U.S.…
Civil Society Groups Condemn Increasing Homophobic and Transphobic Violence in the Caribbean
GEORGETOWN, Guyana — The Caribbean Vulnerable Communities Coalition (CVC) and other civil society groups in the region are condemning increasing homophobic and transphobic violence in the Caribbean. CVC…
Free and Equal: A Global Public Education Campaign Combatting Homophobia and Transphobia
On 16 July, human rights defender and journalist Eric Lembembe was brutally tortured and murdered in Cameroon. Cases like these are reported far too often throughout the world.…
The BAI denounces religious leaders’ march against Haiti’s LGBT community
Press Statement from Bureau des Avocats Internationaux (BAI) (Port-au-Prince, July 17, 2013) – As countries around the world acknowledge the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) individuals to marry…
Processing the Murder of Eric Ohena Lembembe
Repost from The Daily Beast An outspoken voice for gay rights was tortured and killed in Cameroon. Neela Ghoshal on her colleague Eric Lembembe’s legacy—and how the movement…
Clear-eyed Support for LGBT Rights an Important Component of U.S. Human Rights Policy
At last month’s Pride celebration at the State Department, Secretary of State John Kerry made clear that he shares his predecessor’s clear-eyed support for LGBT rights as an…
Advancing the Human Rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Persons Worldwide: A State Department Priority
Fact Sheet Bureau of Public Affairs June 28, 2013 “As Secretary, I join with my colleagues at our embassies, consulates and USAID missions around the world in saying…
President Obama Comments on Yesterday’s DOMA Supreme Court Ruling
President Obama’s remarks at a joint press conference in Senegal, where after speaking about yesterday’s Court decision on the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), he addressed the treatment…
U.S. Department of State Statement on Supreme Court Ruling on the Defense of Marriage Act
The U.S. Department of State applauds the Supreme Court’s decision striking down an unjust and discriminatory law and increasing freedom and equality for LGBT Americans. As a Senator,…
Statement by the President on the Supreme Court Ruling on the Defense of Marriage Act
I applaud the Supreme Court’s decision to strike down the Defense of Marriage Act. This was discrimination enshrined in law. It treated loving, committed gay and lesbian couples…
LGBT Advocacy Groups Stand With Civil Rights Counterparts in Disappointment at Supreme Court Ruling on Voting Rights
Press Statement released on behalf of the named organizations on today’s ruling Washington, DC – Today, the Supreme Court struck down a central part of the Voting Rights Act,…
Global Equality Fund Advances Human Rights of LGBT Communities
Repost from DipNote PRIDE events abound in the month of June, especially here in the nation’s capital. John Kerry has championed LGBT equality for over 30 years, and…
Secretary Kerry Delivers Remarks at the GLIFAA Pride Event
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry delivers remarks at the Gays and Lesbians in Foreign Affairs Agencies (GLIFAA) Pride Event at the U.S Department of State in Washington,…
Obama Calls for LGBT Equality in Berlin Speech
Earlier today, President Obama addressed the German people in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin and expressed his commitment to LGBT people. “When we stand up for our…
European Parliament Condemns Russia’s Federal Censorship Law
Repost from The European Parliament’s Intergroup on LGBT Rights Yesterday the European Parliament adopted a resolution condemning the “anti-propaganda” law voted in Russia’s federal Duma earlier this week.…
Bringing LGBT Health Care to the World Health Organization
Repost from The Huffington Post Around the world lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals face worse health outcomes than the general population. We know the problem is…
Dr. Daniel Baer nominated to serve as U.S. Ambassador to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE)
The Council for Global Equality is delighted to note that Dr. Daniel Baer, Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of Democracy Human Rights and Labor, has been nominated…
Secretary Kerry Video Remarks Celebrating LGBT Pride Month
Transcript of video remarks: Hello! I wanted to take a moment to join people around the world in celebrating Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride month. This month…
LGBT Groups Applaud Naming of Ambassador Susan Rice and Samantha Power to New Posts
June 5, 2013 – The Council for Global Equality and the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC) applaud President Obama’s decision to name Ambassador Susan Rice,…
LGBT Pride Month Statement for Secretary of State John Kerry
The Department of State joins people around the world in celebrating Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Pride Month. Forty-four years after Stonewall, we see incredible progress in…
30 Colombian LGBT activists attend training
Repost from The Washington Blade BOGOTÁ, Colombia — Roughly 30 activists from across Colombia attended a four-day training in the Colombian capital from May 30-June 2 designed to…
Nigerian Human Rights Defenders, Groups, Individuals, and CSO’s Condemn the Passage of the Same-Sex Marriage Prohibition Bill
Nigerian human rights defenders, individuals, and Civil society organizations have condemned the passage of the “Same-Sex Marriage Prohibition Bill” passed in the Nigerian House of Representatives on May…
For the First Time in History, the World Health Organization (WHO) Vigorously Debated LGBT Health
On May 29, the Executive Board of the WHO, comprised of 34 member states, discussed an item titled “Improving the Health and Well-Being of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender…
USAID-supported gay training to take place in Colombia
Repost from the Washington Balde The first training as part of a USAID-backed public-private partnership designed to promote LGBT rights around the world will take place in the…
Peace Corps Announces New Service Opportunity for Same-Sex Couples
Peace Corps Press Statement Washington, D.C., May 21, 2013 – Peace Corps Deputy Director Carrie Hessler-Radelet today announced that the agency will begin accepting applications from same-sex domestic…
ILGA Launches Its 2013 Issue of the State-Sponsored Homophobia Report
Geneva, 15 May 2013 – The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA) has launched its 2013 issue of the state-sponsored homophobia report, a world survey…
International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia
This week we join with the worldwide LGBT community in celebrating IDAHO – the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia. IDAHO is less known in the U.S. than…
HIAS’ report, “Invisible in the City,” examines protection gaps facing LGBTI refugees
Remarks Anne C. Richard Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration Washington, DC May 7, 2013 Thank you, Mark, and thank you to the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society…
Human Rights Trends
With the recent release of the State Department’s Human Rights Reports for 2012 (released in April 2013), the Council for Global Equality has compiled information from the reports…
Strange bedfellows
Repost from The Economist American Christian zealots are fighting back against gay rights—abroad IT MIGHT seem only a nasty coincidence. As gay rights advance in the West—France and…
Campaign Against Homophobia Issues New Report on Social Situation of LGBT Persons in Poland
Campaign Against Homophobia has issued a new report on social situation of LGBT persons in Poland. This unique publication shows results of the biggest in Poland quantative research…
Serious Human Rights Abuses Directed at LGBT Populations in Every Region
The State Department’s latest country human rights reports, released April 19, confirm the lack of respect that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people face in many areas…
The Immigration Bill: What’s There, What’s Missing & What’s Next
Repost from Immigration Equality This afternoon, the long-anticipated comprehensive immigration reform bill from the Senate’s “Gang of 8” will finally be introduced. It is a big, complex piece of…
United Nations Moves Forward on LGBT Rights
The United Nations process to discuss a Human Rights Council resolution on sexual orientation and gender identity ended in Oslo on Tuesday with a conclusions document that calls…
International Conference on Human Rights, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity: Desmond Tutu on LGBT Rights in Africa
Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon, Welcomes Participants to the International Conference on Human Rights, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
South Africa and Norway are co-hosting The International Conference on Human Rights, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity with over 200 government and NGO’s are participating in the dialog.…
Divided Ex-gay Movement Still Encouraging “Conversion” Therapy in Latin America
Repost from Political Research Associates Boston, MA, April 2, 2013: Exodus International, the U.S. network of Christian ministries prominent in the “ex-gay” movement, dramatically changed its position in…
Cameroon: Rights Abuses in ‘Homosexuality’ Prosecutions
Human Rights Watch has released a 55 page report titled “Guilty by Association: Human Rights Violations in the Enforcement of Cameroon’s Anti-Homosexuality Law,” which documents 10 case studies of arrests and…
LGBT Rights Debate Unfolds at the UN (VIDEO)
Repost from the Huffington Post For decades the word “gay” was almost never heard in formal meetings at the United Nations. Today, after a series of recent diplomatic…
HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius on LGBT Health Awareness Week
Shortly after the Affordable Care Act was enacted, President Obama asked me to identify steps we could take at the Department of Health and Human Services to improve…
Transgender Rights Bill Passes Canadian House Of Commons
Report from the Huffington Post OTTAWA – A bill that would make it illegal to discriminate against transgender Canadians was approved by the House of Commons on Wednesday.…
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton Supports Same-sex Marriage
Former U.S. Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, continues to champion human rights by supporting same-sex marriage. If you haven’t already heard what she has to say, watch the…
57th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women ends with out inclusion of Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity language
The Commission on the Status of Women (also called the “CSW”) is the UN’s global policy-making body dedicated to gender equality and the advancement of women. To support…
Human Rights Activists meet with President Museveni of Uganda
A human rights delegation lead by Kerry Kennedy, President of The Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights, met with President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda on Monday. Kennedy expressed concerns…
Pressure Builds on Ukraine to Reject Anti-LGBT Legislation
Washington, DC – March 13, 2013 –The Council for Global Equality applauds the 62 members of the U.S. Congress, who yesterday, called on Chairman Rybak of Ukraine’s Verkhovna…
Sixty-two Members of Congress Call on the Ukrainian Parliament to Reject Anti-LGBT Legislation
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representatives Eric Swalwell (CA-15), Joe Crowley (NY-14) and David Cicilline (RI-1) led a bipartisan letter to the Chairman of the Ukrainian Parliament expressing…
54 groups to Obama: Time to act on ENDA order
Repost from the Washington Blade A coalition of 54 groups is ramping up pressure for President Obama to sign a heavily sought-after executive order barring federal contractors from…
An Executive Order to Prevent Discrimination Against LGBT Workers
Repost from Center for American Progress By Lee Badgett, Crosby Burns, Nan D. Hunter, Jeff Krehely, Christy Mallory, and Brad Sears Under federal law it is entirely legal to fire…
State Department LGBT Travel Information
As you ponder your next travel adventure as a lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender person the U.S. State Department has published a webpage with travel tips and resources…
Heartfelt Praise to a National Leader
There’ve been many encomia to Hillary Clinton over the last week, all richly deserved. To these we add our own deep measure of heartfelt praise to a national…
Rainbow Coalition
Repost from Foreign Policy A gay rights revolution is sweeping across the Americas. It’s time for Washington to catch up. In his second inaugural address, U.S. President Barack…
Reception Honoring the Department of State’s Public/Private Partnerships
Today the U.S. State Department hosted a reception highlighting the the Department’s public/ priviate partnerships. Secretary Clinton spoke to a range of partnerships that the State Department has…
Obama unveils LGBT-inclusive immigration plan
Repost from The Washington Blade Before a cheering audience at a Las Vegas high school, President Obama unveiled on Tuesday his much anticipated plan for comprehensive immigration reform,…
Gay-Rights Demonstration Turns Violent
Repost from The Moscow Times A demonstration outside the State Duma on Tuesday ended in fisticuffs as Orthodox activists clashed with opponents of a bill targeting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. Police and at…
Let your voice be heard on HIV and the Post-2015 development agenda
From UNAIDS The international community is talking a lot about what development will look like post the Millennium Development Goals in 2015. Of great concern to UNAIDS/us is…
The White House Office of Public Engagement invites you to an LGBT Policy Briefing
The White House Office of Public Engagement invites you to an LGBT Policy Briefing When: January 18, 2013, 9:00 AM – Noon Where: U.S. Department of Commerce Herbert Clark Hoover Building…
Transgender People in Sweden No Longer Face Forced Sterilization
Repost from Time Until late last week one of Europe’s most progressive nations had one of the continent’s most repressive policies on transgender people. Swedish law had required…
Cameroon ‘gay sex’ men acquitted
From BBC News An appeal court in Cameroon has acquitted two men jailed in 2011 for homosexual acts, their lawyer has said. Alice Nkom said she was pleased…
Freedom House lists “LGBTI Victories in the Western Hemisphere” as a Best Human Rights Development in 2012
In an article on the Huffington Post website on December 31, Freedom House listed its best and worst human rights developments of 2012. LGBTI victories were listed as…
Kamla praised for moves to remove laws against gays
Repost from Guardian Media Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has been congratulated by regional and international organisations on her commitment to end discrimination against gay people in T&T. The…
Center for American Progress Releases White Paper on Gender Identity and Official Documents
ID Accurately Reflecting One’s Gender Identity Is a Human Right This past week our nation joined others around the globe in celebrating International Human Rights Day, which marked…
Freedom House announces new program to help LGBTI people under threat
Repost from Freedom House. As activists from around the world celebrate Human Rights Day, Freedom House is pleased to announce the launch of its newest global program: the Dignity for…
US Leadership to Advance Equality for LGBT People Abroad
From Whitehouse.gov written by Samantha Power Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Multilateral Affairs and Human Rights at the National Security Council. During Human Rights Week, we reaffirm…
OpEd by Bishop Desmond Tutu on Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Bill
As it appeared today in Uganda’s Daily Monitor newspaper To Ugandan MPs: God does not discriminate among our family Uganda’s Parliament is – unbelievably – on the verge…
Human Rights Day Message from Navi Pillay, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights
Click for Related Information on Human Rights Day: Visit the My Voice Counts page of the United Nations Statement by Ambassador Susan E. Rice, U.S. Permanent Representative to…
Gays and Lesbians in Foreign Affairs Agencies (GLIFAA) at 20
A State Department event on Wednesday captured the remarkable changes in how LGBT citizens are winning acceptance and fair treatment in our country – and how American diplomatic…
Remarks at the 20th Anniversary of Gays and Lesbians in Foreign Affairs Agencies (GLIFFA)
Remarks: Hillary Rodham Clinton, Secretary of State Benjamin Franklin Room Washington, DC November 28, 2012 Click here to watch a video of the event. Thank you. Thank you.…
U.S. envoy meets Ugandan leaders over anti-gay bill
Repost from The Washington Blade The top U.S. diplomat in Africa met over the weekend with leaders in Uganda to express concerns about an anti-gay bill pending before…
Uganda headed toward passing draconian anti-gay legislation
Repost from The Washington Blade Movement on a draconian anti-gay bill in Uganda is raising concerns the legislation may be headed toward passage in the coming weeks, although it’s…
UNGA Resolution on Extrajudicial, Summary, and Arbitrary Executions
Brief compendium of articles and explanations on yesterdays vote on the Draft Resolution on Extrajudicial, Summary, and Arbitrary Executions: General Assembly will Condemn in Strongest Terms Use of…
Governments Condemn Extrajudicial Executions in Seminal UN Vote
Thank you to the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission for this informative statement on the vote. Historic First Condemnation of Killings Based on Gender Identity (New…
U.S. Accomplishments During Its First Term on the UN Human Rights Council
The United States has been re-elected to the UN Human Rights Council and yesterday the U.S. Department of State released a statement highlighting the accomplishments during its first…
Global Reactions to the U.S. National Election
From Uganda: I stayed all night watching the results come in and at 4am on the election night, I joined hundreds of Ugandan activists, Diplomats, MPs and civil…
The Votes are In
The votes are in: Barack Obama has been reelected to serve our country for another four years. Considered alongside the historic victories for marriage equality and the election…
‘Traditional Values’ code for human rights abuse?
Repost from CNN.com by Graeme Reid, Human Rights Watch The U.N. Human Rights Council recently passed a resolution on “traditional values of humankind” as a vehicle for “promoting…
2012 Global Equality Leadership Award Event Photos
We would like to thank everyone who attended the award ceremony and reception for Ambassador Susan E. Rice, especially our gracious hosts. For those of you who were…
Will the Candidates Address Issues Impacting LGBT Communities at Home and Abroad in the Upcoming Presidential Debate?
With two presidential debates remaining before the November 6 presidential election, will the candidates address issues impacting LGBT communities at home and abroad? We’d like to hear the…
The Council for Global Equality honors Ambassador Susan E. Rice with the 2012 Global Equality Leadership Award
October 10, 2012 – The Council for Global Equality honored Ambassador Susan E. Rice, U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations, with its 2012 Global Equality Leadership Award…
The Council for Global Equailty to Honor Ambassador Susan E. Rice
The Council for Global equality is proud to announce the selection of, Ambassador Susan E. Rice, Permanent Representative to the United Nations, as the recipient of the 2012…
Serbia: Revoke Ban on Belgrade Pride Parade
Repost from Human Rights Watch (Berlin) – Serbia’s ban on the Belgrade Pride Parade, scheduled for October 6, 2012, violates the country’s international legal obligations and should be…
Napolitano’s same-sex couples directive: a milestone in immigration justice
Repost from The Guardian Until now, even legally married gay couples were discriminated against in immigration cases. Meaningful reform begins at last Things seemed grim, last fall, for…
Will LGBT Issues Feature in the Upcoming Presidential Debate?
Presidential debates rarely shed new light on what a presidential candidate really believes. Set-piece statements and rehearsed position points are the order of the night – and the…
Born Free and Equal, New Report from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights
Today the Officer of the High Commissioner for Human Rights released a report on sexual orientation and gender identity in human rights law titled, “Born Free and Equal“.…
Latin American LGBT activists visit the U.S. on State Department-sponsored trip
Repost from the Washington Blade Nine Latin American activists continue to tour the United States on a State Department-organized trip that is part of its ongoing efforts to…
Witch-hunt in Iraq
Repost from BBC News Iraqi law enforcement agencies are involved in the systematic and deadly persecution of gay men and women there, a BBC investigation has revealed. Dozens,…
Judy and Dennis Shepard Speak Up for LGBT Rights in Europe
Repost from DipNote Blog by Frankie Sturm, Deputy Cultural Attache at U.S. Embassy Warsaw in Poland. Sitting down to dinner to wrap up two jam-packed days of outreach by Judy…
Taking LGBT Business to the International Stage
Guest blog post by Justin G. Nelson, Co-Founder and President of the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) Last month, I had a chance to talk about international…
Zimbabwe’s Assault on LGBTI Group Indicative of Larger, Worrisome Trend
The following blog post by RFK Partners for Human Rights Advocacy Officer Jeffrey Smith appeared yesterday in the Huffington Post: With a constitutional referendum and historic elections looming in Zimbabwe, one might assume…
What to Expect From Romney
The Council for Global Equality has urged elected representatives and their staff from both major political parties to stand against LGBT human rights abuse and support LGBT-fair policies…
Uganda: Growing Intimidation, Threats to Civil Society
(Nairobi, August 21, 2012) – Research and advocacy organizations in Uganda that deal with controversial topics are facing increasing harassment by Uganda’s government, Human Rights Watch said in…
Madonna defends the Gay community during her St. Petersburg Concert
Repost from Polina Savchenko of Coming Out The Pop Star and Gay Icon Madonna who recently held a tribute for Pussy Riot, the feminist punk band, in Moscow,…
Protection Concerns and Vulnerabilities for LGBT Iraqis
Blog Posting Written by: Iraqi Refugee Assistance Project, July 2012 In March of 2012, U.S. and international media outlets reported a renewed wave of violence against LGBT individuals…
Sec. Clinton’s Remarks at Presentation of Human Rights Defenders Award
Remarks Hillary Rodham Clinton Secretary of State U.S. Embassy Kampala, Uganda August 3, 2012 Thank you so much. Well, I am very pleased to be here once again…
Advocacy at the International AIDS Conference in Washington, DC
During the XIX International AIDS Conference in Washington this summer, the Council organized a series of meetings for 60 LGBT leaders from around the world to introduce them…
Calling for Basic Freedoms of Speech and Assembly for LGBT Moldovan Citizens
On July 3, thirty members of the United States House of Representatives—both Republican and Democrat—sent letters to Moldova’s Prime Minister and to the President of the Moldovan Parliament.…
Secretary Hillary Clinton accepts the World LGBT Award from World Pride
Listen to joint briefing by the White House and State Department on the annual Human Rights Report
Listen to a joint briefing by the White House and State Department on the annual Human Rights Report here. (duration 58:21—Please note it will take a moment for playback…
Exclusive LGBT Pride Interview with Tara Sonenshine, Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy
Repost from The New Civil Rights Movement by Tanya Domi Under Secretary of State Tara D. Sonenshine, who is the chief of public diplomacy and public affairs at the…
Calling for the Rejection of Shocking Anti-Semitism and Homophobia Advocated by Right Wing Hungarian Political Party
(Washington, D.C.) –Today, Rep. Joe Crowley (NY-7), along with 49 other members of the U.S. House of Representatives, sent a letter to Hungary’s Prime Minister Victor Orban strongly…
Pride in U.S. Diplomatic Engagement: Council Chair Mark Bromley Reflects on U.S. Embassy Celebration in Japan
The Council was invited to join the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo and the U.S. Consulate in Osaka last week to commemorate LGBT Pride month, and I had the…
Julie Dorf named to Go Magazines “100 Women That We Love”
The leader of our nation has come out in support of LGBT equal rights—but millions of LGBT people around the globe have no such government advocate. Fortunately, they…
Secretary Clinton Delivers a Video Message for Pride Month
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton delivers a video message for Pride Month. A text transcript can be found at http://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2012/06/192136.htm.
“Discrimination hampers development” – Commissioner Piebalgs launches a new initiative to fight discrimination in developing countries
Press Release from the European Commission Brussels, 01 June 2012 – EU Commissioner Piebalgs today unveiled the launch of a new €20 million package to help fight against any…
Activist discusses impact of Obama’s gay marriage support
Repost from The Japan Times By AYAKO MIE, Staff writer The recent endorsement of gay marriage by U.S. President Barack Obama was a milestone for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and…
US troops take part in LGBT Pride Month reception at US Embassy in Tokyo
Repost from Stars and Stripes TOKYO — Master Sgt. Marc Maschhoff revels in the turns his life has taken in the last year. Last summer, Maschhoff had to…
Persecution of all, not selected, groups should be condemned
Repost from the Charlotte Observer From Michael Guest, a former Bush Administration ambassador who advises the Council for Global Equality, a coalition of human rights and LGBT advocacy groups.…
Out of Harm’s Way
Repost from The Advocate NEARLY SIX MONTHS AGO, the White House unveiled a global blueprint for promoting and protecting the rights of LGBT individuals, countless numbers of whom…
Remarks on Anti-Semitism and Human Rights for LGBT People for the Cream City Foundation
Repost from State.gov By Hannah Rosenthal Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism Milwaukee, Wisconsin May 30, 2012 As a child of a Holocaust survivor, anti-Semitism is something very personal…
Widespread Pattern of Abuses Against LGBT People Worldwide
Washington, DC – May 25, 2012 – The Department of State’s 2011 Human Rights Report, released yesterday, catalogues an ongoing range of abuses and discriminatory treatment directed at…
Rights body has finally stood up for gays and lesbians
repost from Daily Nation by Makau Mutua Makau Mutua is Dean and SUNY Distinguished Professor at SUNY Buffalo Law School and Chair of the KHRC. I’ve been pilloried…
Secretary Clinton To Release Annual Human Rights Reports
On May 24, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and Assistant Secretary for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor Michael Posner will release the 2011 Country Reports on Human…
Winners of the Human Rights Defenders Award
U.S. Department of State Office of the Spokesperson Washington, DC May 18, 2012 The U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce that Ales Byalyatski of Belarus and…
Strengthening Protection for LGBT Refugees
Council Chair Mark Bromley moderated a panel at an event hosted by The Council for Global Equality, The Human Rights Campaign, and Human Rights First marking International Day Against Homophobia and…
International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia.
IDAHO is celebrated worldwide to commemorate the date, May 17, 1990, when homosexuality was removed from the International Classification of Diseases of the World Health Organization. The Council…
Council Releases NGO Guide to Human Rights
In Recognition of the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHO): Washington, DC – May 17, 2012 – The Council released a new NGO guide, Accessing U.S. Embassies:…
Analysis: The global impact of Obama’s support for gay marriage
The president’s decision represents a “next generation” for whom LGBT equality is a given. May 10, 2012–As an LGBT rights advocate, I have experienced so many proud moments…
Eight Months in Solitary
Repost from The Advocate by Andrew Harmon A few days after Christmas last year, Ruby Corado, a longtime transgender activist in Washington, D.C., received a telephone call while…
The Republican Party’s anti-gay bias
Op-Ed By Michael Guest, for the Washington Post (Print edition will be published on Sunday, May 6) Michael Guest, the first openly gay ambassador confirmed by the Senate, was…
LGBT Human Rights Abuse Under the New “Homosexual Propaganda” Law Continues in St. Petersburg
Repost from Coming Out St. Petersburg May 1, 2012–17 LGBT activists of St. Petersburg were arrested for carrying rainbow flags as part of the May 1st civil rights and freedom…
U.S. Embassy and Blue Diamond Society Partner to Make Disaster Risk Reduction LGBTI-Inclusive
April 27, 2012– The U.S. Embassy partnered with the Blue Diamond Society, Nepal’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) rights organization at a workshop this morning to discuss…
Video: President Obama on “Never Again” at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
Full transcript of the speech is available at here.
Obama includes gays in Holocaust speech
Repost from The Washington Blade President Obama explicitly addressed the plight gay men faced during the Holocaust in a speech Monday urging that the atrocities of the genocide…
New Report on LGBTI Refugees from ORAM
Rainbow Bridges, ORAM’s newest publication, shares the rare experience gained by ORAM during its yearlong pilot program assisting resettled LGBTI refugees in the San Francisco Bay Area. The…
Ugandan LGBTI activist to seek support from Nobel laureates
Repost from The Windy City Times On April 22-25, Nobel Peace Prize laureates will gather in Chicago for the Nobel Summit, and Ugandan LGBTI activist Frank Mugisha will…
Pride March Support Statement by Ambassador John F. Tefft
March 2012- As Ambassador of the United States of America in Kyiv, I would like to express my support and the support of my country to all those who…
Statement from UNHCHR on the murder of Daniel Zamudio
Statement from Rupert Colville, the Spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. In Chile, a 24 year-old gay man, Daniel Zamudio, died on Tuesday 27 March, 25…
U.S. Amb. Ian Kelly Statement On LGBT Rights In Russian Federation And Moldova
Geneva, Switzerland Ambassador Ian Kelly March 22, 2012 Thank you, Mr. Chairman. We take this moment to subscribe to the joint statement of Canada, Iceland, Switzerland, and Norway…
LGBT Rights Upheld in Historic Inter-American Court Ruling
“Based on both American regional standards and international jurisprudence, the Court has ruled that LGBT people must live free from discrimination, whether as parents or in any other…
Death and life in Iraq: Obama death cabs, vampires, Ministries, and murder
The following is a piece was written by Scott Long, visiting fellow at the Human Rights Program at Harvard Law School, for his blog Paper Bird If you want to know what…
Pillay presents groundbreaking UN study on violence, discrimination against people because of their sexual orientation
Watch the full Panel discussion on the issue of discriminatory laws and practices and acts of violence against individuals based on their sexual orientation and gender identity. Statement by…
LGBTs have a voice in foreign affairs
Op-Ed as it appears in the Bay Area Reporter, written by The Council for Global Equality, Senior Advisor, Michael Guest When it comes to the rights of LGBT…
Liberia’s Senate to Consider Anti-Gay Bill
repost from New York Times Liberia’s Senate will consider a bill Thursday to strengthen the nation’s existing anti-gay laws, a senator said, as another West African nation, Cameroon,…
LGBT Case Goes to Supreme Court in India
February 17, 2012 – This week, as many of us celebrated Valentine’s Day with our loved ones, an important legal challenge moved forward in India that will impact…
Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG) Outraged by the Closure of the LGBTI Capacity Development Workshop by the State Minister of Ethics and Integrity Rev. Fr. Simon Lokodo
KAMPALA- February 15, 2012 Exactly one week after the re-tabling of the Anti Homosexuality Bill (2009) by MP David Bahati, a workshop organized by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender…
Visiting Evangelist Assures Uganda’s LGBTI “Not all American Christian Preachers are Anti-Gay”
A visiting American evangelist, Pastor Joseph Tolton, has criticised Uganda’s Anti Homosexuality Bill saying the conservative US evangelicals who backed the legislation “have lost the moral and cultural…
Scope of Interagency Influence and Authority
Over the past three days, we’ve laid out a number of key issues to be grappled with as the U.S. government meshes its foreign assistance programs with the…
Conditionality in U.S. Foreign Assistance
LGBT hate crimes and other abuses are a clear concern in a number of countries. Our developmental assistance policy-makers inevitably will confront the question of whether – and…
Working Toward Policy Coherence
U.S. assistance programs must, like overall U.S. foreign policy, be grounded in U.S. principles. We believe it a moral imperative that our assistance programs embrace the rights and…
Opening up U.S. assistance programs to LGBT populations
A little green dot marks December 6 on our calendar for last year. That’s the day the President issued his Memorandum instructing all USG foreign affairs agencies to…
Foreign Assistance Blog Series
Beginning Monday, February 6, The Council for Global Equality will begin a four-part series of blog postings on foreign assistance. The postings will cover issues impacting foreign assistance…
DeMint wrong on gay rights
Repost from the Post and Courrier Written by Michael Guest, Senior Advisor to The Council for Global Equality The contrast could not be starker. In a Human Rights…
Watch Ban Ki-moon tell leaders at the AU that they must respect gay rights
Ban Ki-Moon: Africa Leaders Should Respect Gay Rights
Repost from Huffington Post ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon says African nations should stop treating gays as “second-class citizens, or even criminals”. Ban told African…
Immigration Equality Hails New Government Training Module
Repost from Council Member: Immigration Equality For Immediate Release January 24, 2012 Contact: Steve Ralls (202) 347-7007 / sralls@immigrationequality.org Immigration Equality Hails New Government Training Module for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual,…
Community Call with Deputy Assistant Secretary Dan Baer
Join the Council for Global Equality on January 26 at 12 PM (EST) for a community briefing call with Deputy Assistant Secretary Dan Baer, who will discuss the…
Achieving an AIDS-Free Generation for Gay Men and Other MSM
Download Reports in PDF format below Full Report Executive Summary For Immediate Release Media Contact: Cub Barrett, Program Communications Manager (212) 806-1602 NEW YORK, January 18, 2012—Funding to…
Honduras is test of new U.S. policy on gay rights
Repost from the Miami Herald by Tim Johnson SAN PEDRO SULA, Honduras — From U.N. chambers to the halls of the State Department, global pressure on countries to protect…
United States Issues UN Report on Its Own Human Rights Conditions
On December 30, the United States submitted its fourth periodic report to the United Nations Committee on Human Rights concerning the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which…
Kudos to Simpson Miller on gay rights
Repost from The Jamaica Gleaner This newspaper commends the leader of the People’s National Party (PNP), Portia Simpson Miller, for her mature stand on whether gays could serve…
Dignity For All: Reactions from LGBT and Human Rights Organizations
Repost from The Office of Public Engagement Earlier this week, President Barack Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton articulated the first-ever U.S. Government strategy to direct all…
United Nations releases report “Discriminatory laws and practices and acts of violence against individuals based on their sexual orientation and gender identity”
December 15, 2011–The United Nations today released a groundbreaking report, titled simply “Discriminatory laws and practices and acts of violence against individuals based on their sexual orientation and…
Hilary Clinton’s landmark Human Rights Day speech
Op Ed by Julie Dorf, Senior Advisor, The Council for Global Equality As I listened to Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton’s landmark Human Rights Day speech last…
A Changed U.S. State Department
By former U.S. ambassador to Romania and Senior Advisor to The Council for Global Equality, Michael Guest Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton’s December 6 Geneva speech on…
LGBT Activists from Around the World React to Secretary Clinton’s Speech
December 9, 2011 – For this historic moment in the LGBT movement, the Council for Global Equality was privileged to bring 14 prominent LGBT activists from around the…
Council Applauds Clinton Speech and White House Announcement in Support of Human Rights for All
Secretary Clinton made a powerful case today at the UN in Geneva for why the respect and fair treatment of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people worldwide…
Secretary Clinton’s December 6 Human Rights Address
Media Note Office of the Spokesperson Washington, DC December 5, 2011 In recognition of Human Rights Day, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton will deliver a human rights…
Berman Condemns Nigerian Assault On LGBT Rights
Press Statement from Congressman Howard L. Berman FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, November 30, 2011 CONTACT: Gabby Adler Gabby.Adler@mail.house.gov 202.225.8110, office 202.215.4509, cell Berman Condemns Nigerian Assault On LGBT…
A Lone Activist Crusades for Change in Cameroon
Re-Post from the The Advocate By Andrew Harmon Civil rights attorney Alice Nkom is in an isolated fight for the west central African nation’s vulnerable gay community. Alice…
Frank Mugisha receives the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice & Human Rights’ prestigious Human Rights Award today
Update: Watch Frank Mugisha accept the RFK Human Rights Award. November 10, 2011 – There are three things you need to know when Frank Mugisha receives the Robert…
Secretary Clinton “Creating an AIDS-free Generation”
Watch Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton’s address an audience at the National Institute of Health on working towards an AIDS-free generation. You can also read her remarks…
Constructive Debates on Conditionality
The Council has been encouraging constructive debate around the recent Statement of African social justice activists on conditionality in response to LGBTI-related human rights concerns in Africa and…
IACHR Creates Unit on the Rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Intersex Persons
Press Release from Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) Washington, D.C., November 3, 2011—During its 143rd regular session, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) decided to create…
USAID ‘strongly encourages’ contractors to prohibit LGBT job bias
Repost from Washington Blade New policy implemented by the U.S. Agency for International Development “strongly encourages” businesses contracting with the organization to have non-discrimination policies in place for…
Huffington Post names inspiring LGBT leaders
The Huffington Post religion section has published a list of inspirational LGBT faith leaders. Originally billed as “15 Inspiring LGBT Religious Leaders”, the photo slideshow with brief bios…
Amb. (ret.) Michael Guest, today’s LGBT History Month Icon
Join us in congratulating our colleague, Amb. (ret.) Michael Guest, Senior Advisor to The Council for Global Equality in being today’s LGBT History Month Icon. To learn more…
Reflections on Frank Kameny’s Impact
By Amb. (ret.) Michael Guest, Senior Advisor, The Council for Global Equality Word of Frank Kameny’s death yesterday at age 86 seeped in slowly – less thunderbolt than…
First openly transgender Member of Parliament elected
Repost from Transgender Europe On October 10th, we have learned that Anna Grodzka, president of TGEU member organization Trans-Fuzja, has become the first openly transgender woman to be…
Remembering LGBT Hate Crimes in October
October 7, 2011 – Thirteen years ago this week, Matthew Shepard was attacked and left to die on a deserted road in Laramie, Wyoming. The month of October,…
Global Post begins series on the global battle over LGBT rights
Global Post an international news publication has begin its series “The Rainbow Struggle: A Global Battle Over Gay Rights“. A team of four writers and photo journalists will…
Anti-Defamation League, GLSEN and StoryCorps Highlight LGBT History’s “Unheard Voices”
Guest blog from Council member Anti-Defamation League Written by: Scott Hirschfeld, Director of Curriculum and Sarah Woodbury, Operations and Field Outreach Coordinator, Government and National Affairs Office LGBT…
Senior Advisor to the Council for Global Equality, Amb. (ret.) Michael Guest honored
Please join us in congratulating our colleague and friend, Senior Advisor to the Council for Global Equality, Amb. (ret.) Michael Guest in being honored as an 2011 LGBT…
Republican Presidential Candidates on Equality and Human Rights
In his speech before the United Nations on September 21, President Obama made clear that human rights are universal, including with respect to individuals who are gay, lesbian,…
Calling on Cameroon government to end the persecution of gays and lesbians and repeal laws that criminalize consensual same-sex relations
Press Release from Amnesty International The Cameroonian authorities must end the persecution of gays and lesbians and repeal laws that criminalize consensual same-sex relations, five human rights organizations…
Obama Addresses Global Gay Rights in UN Speech
Mark Bromley, chair of the Council for Global Equality, issued the following statement to The Advocate Wednesday on the president’s address: “The President’s remarks today at the UN…
President Obama calls on the countries of the world to stand up for the rights of gays and lesbians
Today President Obama addressed the United Nations General Assembly and called on world leaders to stand up for the rights of gays and lesbians. “And to make sure…
Ugandan LGBTI Rights Activist Frank Mugisha to Receive 2011 Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award
The Council for Global Equality would like to congratulate Frank Mugisha on this honor as well as on his tireless work on behalf of the LGBTI community. Read…
Ugandan First Lady behind the Anti-Homosexuality bill
Repost from the Daily Moniter The First Lady Ms Janet Museveni, was behind the Anti-Homosexuality Bill, US Ambassador to Uganda, Jerry Lanier, said in a leaked diplomatic cable.…
From Persecution to Persecution: LGBTI Refugees in Uganda and Kenya
Repost from council member Human Rights First “Why would a gay refugee come to Uganda?” This was a logical question raised by a Ugandan human rights defender the…
New ICJ Publication on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity in Comparative Law
From International Commission of Jurists The Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Justice: A Comparative Law Casebook collects and analyzes judicial decisions from more than 100 courts around the…
Keynote by Deputy Assistant Secretary Baer To the National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association
repost from HumanRights.gov Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor Daniel B. Baer August 26, 2011 Thank you very much for that introduction.…
Immigration change could help gay foreign nationals facing deportation
Repost from The Washington Blade The Obama administration unveiled on Thursday new immigration policy that could enable many undocumented immigrants facing deportation to stay within the United States…
Bachmann Campaign Organizer Tied to “Kill the Gays” Backer in Uganda
Repost from The Advocate The man running outreach to faith-based communities for Republican Michele Bachmann’s nomination campaign has been tied to the key backer of the “Kill the…
Cameroonian men detained for “homosexuality”
Repost from Amnesty International 15 August 2011 The Cameroonian authorities must immediately release two young men due to stand trial on 18 August on charges of homosexuality and…
Nepal census recognizes third gender for the first time
Repost from United Nations Development Programme Nepal has just completed its first national census that officially includes a third option in the gender categories that citizens can select,…
President Obama Issues Order that Prevents Human Rights Abusers Who Target LGBT Individuals from Entering the United States
On August 4, 2011, President Obama issued a Presidential Proclamation that bars entry into the United States of individuals who participate in or condone serious human rights violations,…
State Department Briefs Congress on International LGBT Rights
August 3, 2011 – State Department officials today briefed the LGBT Equality Caucus in the U.S. Congress on their foreign policy efforts to promote fundamental human rights for…
Corporate America’s Response to Homophobia Abroad
When a company facilitates public expressions of homophobia – even inadvertently – what response is it obligated to take? That question has confronted the Coca-Cola Company since late…
Video: How gay rights debate began at the UN
Watch UN human rights chief Navi Pillay looks back at the evolution of the gay rights
Millennium Challenge Corporation Places Operational Hold on Malawi Compact
For Immediate Release July 26, 2011 Contact: Nasserie Carew 202 521-7258 (office) 202 631-7117 carewnm@mcc.gov Millennium Challenge Corporation Places Operational Hold on Malawi Compact The Millennium Challenge Corporation…
ECOSOS Council vote grants consultative status to ILGA
PRESS RELEASE Contact: Renato Sabbadini, tel. +3225022471, renato@ilga.org Geneva, 25 July 2011 ECOSOS Council vote grants consultative status to ILGA With 30 votes in favour (India, Italy, Japan,…
Pride Retrospective: the U.S. Helsinki Commission Should Engage
It’s common to think of Pride-related events as celebrations of gay and lesbian diversity, and indeed of community. Certainly that’s the spirit that pervades the Pride season in…
Committee on Foreign Affairs of the U.S. Congress adopts LGBT provision
July 20, 2001—The Committee on Foreign Affairs of the U.S. Congress adopted an amendment late on Thursday calling on “the Secretary of State to discourage foreign governments from…
U.S. Condemns Violent Disruption of Protests in Malawi
July 21, 2011 For immediate release and posting: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson STATEMENT BY HEIDE BRONKE FULTON, ACTING DEPUTY SPOKESPERSON U.S. Condemns Violent Disruption…
In Malawi, more scapegoating of LGBT as riots erupt
Repost from LGBT Asylum News Last week the British government announced that it was withdrawing budget support from the Malawian government. The move followed a diplomatic spat but…
MEPs welcome Lithuania’s new progressive law on advertising
Repost from Intergroup for LGBT Rights A new Law on the Provision of Information to the Public came into force on 30 June, outlawing discrimination based on sexual…
New Report on Gay/Trans Socio-legal Status in Europe
Repost from Hunter of Justice blog The Council of Europe has issued an extraordinarily thorough report (available on the web here) on the legal and social status of lgbt…
A global look at LGBT gains and loses
After a month of LGBT Pride celebrations with lots to celebrate at home and abroad we still have lots of work to do, Reed Karaim gives us an…
Reaching out to refugees persecuted for sexual orientation, gender identity
Repost from UNHCR WASHINGTON, DC, United States, June 29 (UNHCR) – Advocates like Neil Grungras are vital as accounts increasingly emerge of persecution and violence towards refugees and…
Watch President Obama’s Remarks at White House LGBT Pride Celebration
Bipartisan Support for Secretary Clinton’s Leadership on International LGBT Rights
June 28, 2011—Leaders of the LGBT Equality Caucus and the House Committee on Foreign Affairs in the U.S. Congress sent a bipartisan letter to Secretary of State Clinton…
USAID to designate coordinator for LGBT issues overseas
Repost from the Washington Blade A top official with the U.S. Agency for International Development announced on Monday a senior coordinator would soon be named to guide the…
Watch Secretary Clinton’s Remarks at Event Celebrating LGBT Pride Month
Marking Progress for LGBT Americans in Foreign Affairs
Repost from Dipnote (The State Department Blog) Curtis Ried is a Political Advisor at the U.S. Mission to the United Nations. For more information on the work of…
Remarks by Ambassador Susan E. Rice at LGBT Pride Month Reception
Remarks by Ambassador Susan E. Rice at a LGBT Pride Month Reception Held by Gays and Lesbians in Foreign Affairs Agencies, at the State Department Susan E. Rice…
Join the Pride Month Celebration with Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton
Monday, June 27, 2011 at approximately 10:25 a.m. and will be streamed live on http://www.state.gov. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton will deliver remarks on “The Human Rights…
The Dark Closet
Repost from Foreign Policy Don’t let the Amina hoax distract attention from the plight of the real gay community in Syria. DAMASCUS, Syria — In a city like…
US State Department Briefing on LGBT Resolution at UN Human Rights Council
The following post is the transcript of a phone briefing held by the US State Department after the historic vote by the UN Human Rights Council on LGBT…
Statement by the President on the UN Human Rights Council Resolution on Human Rights, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
The White House Office of the Press Secretary For Immediate Release June 17, 2011 Today, for the first time in history, the United Nations adopted a resolution dedicated…
Sec. Hillary Clinton on UN Human Rights Council Resolution on Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity
Press Statement Hillary Rodham Clinton Secretary of State Washington, DC June 17, 2011 Today, the UN Human Rights Council adopted the first ever UN resolution on the human…
Statement by Ambassador Susan E. Rice, on the UN Human Rights Council Resolution on Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity
Repost from U.S. Mission to the United Nations U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations U.S. Mission to the United Nations New York, NY June 17, 2011 FOR…
UN Adopts Groundbreaking Resolution Affirming that LGBT Rights are Human Rights
June 17, 2011—For the First time, the UN’s Human Rights Council in Geneva has adopted a resolution expressing concern at acts of violence and discrimination committed against lesbian,…
UN’s Human Rights Council to cast historic vote
The UN’s Human Rights Council in Geneva is likely to vote tomorrow (Friday, June 17) on a formal resolution expressing concern at acts of violence and discrimination committed…
No place for homophobia here
Repost from The Star (South Africa) by By Navi Pillay South Africa has given the world some powerful ideas – foremost among them the concept of the rainbow…
U.S. gov’t awards $250K to create LGBT refugee resource center
Repost from the Washington Balde The Obama administration on Wednesday announced that it has awarded $250,000 to a Chicago-based human rights organization to create the first-ever resource center…
LGBTI “Pride” in Uganda Means Fighting for Basic Rights and Freedom
Repost from Council member Human Rights First. By Beth Tuckey Click below to listen to an audio podcast of Ugandan activist Julius Kaggwa on the state of LGBTI…
Commentary by Rev. Canon Albert Ogle: An eyewitness to homophobia, from Uganda to the UN
repost from SDGLN The Rev. Canon Albert Ogle – Special to SDGLN June 10th, 2011 Editor’s note: Albert Ogle writes: “This week, I travelled from Kampala, Uganda to…
Remarks for LGBT Pride from Deputy Assistant Secretary, Daniel Baer
For written a transcript of Dr. Baer’s remarks click here
Amnesty International Urgent Action: Cameroon
Jean-Claude Roger Mbede has been sentenced to 36 months in prison for homosexuality, a criminal offence under Section 347a of the Cameroonian Penal Code. He is currently serving…
Nepal census recognizes ‘third gender’
repost from CNN.com Kathmandu, Nepal (CNN) — When census gatherers went door-to-door visiting 5.6 million households across Nepal this month, they collected information not only on the country’s…
Ambassador Polt congratulates Estonia’s LGBT community on Baltic Pride
repost from the Embassy of the United States: Estonia On the occasion of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Pride Month 2011, Ambassador Polt and his Embassy team…
Kenya is on the verge of a ‘Gene Robinson’ moment
Repost from the guardian.co.uk, by Peter Anaminyi Kenya is on the verge of having its “Gene Robinson” moment as parliament prepares to debate and confirm Kenya’s first gay…
Concern about Freedom of Assembly in Russia
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesman For Immediate Release: May 29, 2011 2011/855 STATEMENT BY MARK TONER, DEPUTY SPOKESPERSON Concern about Freedom of Assembly in Russia…
Presidential Proclamation–Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month
The White House Office of the Press Secretary For Immediate Release May 31, 2011 Presidential Proclamation–Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month ——- BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE…
Study finds more countries accepting homosexuality
repost from AFP WASHINGTON — The vast majority of countries around the world have become more accepting of homosexuality, with the exception of Russia and other former socialist…
Human Rights First calls for the respect of fundamental freedoms of assembly and association
Repost from Human Rights First | by Innokenty Grekov Human Rights First calls on governments to abide by commitments to respect the fundamental freedoms of assembly and association…
Right-Wing Group Fuels Homophobia At The UN
Repost from Equality Matters The leader of a right-wing organization, who made a name for herself by pushing abstinence-only based programs in Africa and has ties to the…
Rival rallies over gay rights in Russia
repost from Moscow News by Tom Washington A weekend of protest and counter protest has kept gay rights firmly on the agenda, days after City Hall slapped a…
“Kill the Gays” Bill Author Vows To Push Bill In New Parliament
repost from Box Turtle Bulletin Uganda’s independent Sunday Monitor this morning has published an interview with MP David Bahati, sponsor of the infamous Anti-Homosexuality Bill, in which he…
African Activists Oppose Cuts To Ugandan Aid
Repost from the Washington Blade, by Chris Johnson Responding to the anti-homosexuality bill in Uganda by cutting off international aid to the country might not be a good…
U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) releases MSM technical guidance
May 19, Washington – Today the office of the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) released a technical guidance note to assist PEPFAR administrators in developing…
Human Rights First Condemns Decision to Ban Moscow Gay Pride
Press Statement from Council Member Human Rights First CONTACT: Jessica Rosenblum, Human Rights First, C: 202-279-0005, W: 202-265-3000 | Jessica@rabinowitz-dorf.com New York, NY—Human Rights First condemns the decision…
The Council marks “International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia”
May 17, 2011, Washington, DC – The Council was pleased today to mark the “International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia,” also known as “IDAHO,” by co-sponsoring a panel…
Pamela Bridgewater, US Ambassador to Jamaica Op Ed on Homophobia
Reposted from The Gleaner Promote equality THE EDITOR, Sir: Having served at home and around the world in the foreign service of the United States for more than…
U.S. State Department: International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia
Press Release: U.S. Department of State WASHINGTON, DC – In every part of the world, men and women are persecuted and attacked because of who they are or…
Uganda’s Current Parliamentary Session Closed Without Vote on Anti-Homosexuality Bill
May 13, 2011 – After two years of dangerous discussion, the current parliamentary session in Uganda closed today without a vote on the “anti-homosexuality” bill. The coordinator of…
Senator Coons: Uganda should end effort to criminalize homosexuality
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 12, 2011 CONTACT: Ian Koski at 202-224-4216 or Ian_Koski@coons.senate.gov Senator Coons: Uganda should end effort to criminalize homosexuality Africa subcommittee chair calls on Uganda’s…
Anti-Homosexuality Bill on hold
May 11, 2011 – Parliament in Uganda adjourned today without voting on the “anti-homosexuality” bill. The Council understands that the current lame duck parliament may convene again on…
Frank Speaks Out Against Ugandan “Anti-Homosexuality” Bill
Tuesday, May 10, 2011 For Immediate Release Contact: Harry Gural Phone: (202) 225-9400 Cell: (202) 281-0670 WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Barney Frank today released the following statement regarding…
Take action against the “Kill the Gays” bill in Uganda.
From our Friends at AllOut.org Conservative lawmakers in Uganda are working to advance a bill that would sentence LGBT people to death. That’s right, death for countless lesbian,…
Is Uganda’s “Kill the Gays” Bill being used to blind the World?
Press Release from Civil Society Coalition on Human Rights and Constitutional law Uganda (CSCHRCL) Just days after opposition leader Colonel Kizza Besigye was deliberately blinded with pepper spray…
UN Releases Video and Pamphlet to Mark the International Day Against Homophobia
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, the highest human rights official in the UN system, released a video and a pamphlet last week decrying violence and discrimination…
Call for Nominations – Human Rights Defenders Tulip 2011
The Dutch Government’s human rights award, the Human Rights Defenders Tulip has since 2008 been presented to an individual who has shown exceptional courage in protecting and promoting…
David Bahati continues to push for Uganda’s anti-homosexuality bill
The Council hopes that this is just a last desperate act by MP Bahati as the curtain closes on the current parliament in Uganda. We urge the United…
Malawi Government Targets NGOs Working for LGBTI Human Rights
repost from African Activist In less than 20 days after the United States unfroze $350 million in foreign aid to Malawi, the government is claiming that Norwegian and…
The State Department’s Annual Human Rights Report: A Firmly Measured Response to Egregious Abuse
April 13, 2011 – The State Department last week released its annual human rights report. Once again, the Council for Global Equality applauds the State Department’s effort to…
Human Rights Reports 2011, Congressional Briefing
The Council for Global Equality on Friday participated in a Congressional briefing hosted by the LGBT Equality Caucus to mark the release of the U.S. State Department’s annual…
Council position on suspension of $350 million in development assistance to Malawi
In February the Millennium Challenge Corporation, a U.S. government-funded development institution, suspended an agreement with Malawi, focused on energy sector development, based in part on concerns over a…
Key U.S. Accomplishments at the UN Human Rights Council
repost from http://www.state.gov Fact Sheet Washington, DC March 30, 2011 This September will mark the two-year anniversary of U.S. membership on the United Nations Human Rights Council. U.S.…
Obama administration calls on United Nations to support gay rights
repost from the LA Times ‘Human rights are the inalienable right of every person, no matter who they are or who they love,’ Ambassador Eileen Chamberlain Donahoe says.…
Statement by the Press Secretary on Ending Violence Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
The White House Office of the Press Secretary For Immediate Release March 22, 2011 President Obama believes that advancing the human rights of minorities and the marginalized is…
Human Rights Council Statement on Ending Violence Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
Press Statement Hillary Rodham Clinton Secretary of State Washington, DC March 22, 2011 Today, 85 countries from every region of the world joined together in a historic moment…
United Nations’ Human Rights Council issues joint statement on LGBT human rights
Today the United Nations’ Human Rights Council issued a joint statement titled, “Ending Acts of Violence and Related Human Rights Violations Based On Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity,”…
Ungandan Anti-Homosexuality Bill may be debated again
NTV, a Ugandan television station, reports that the Ugandan Parliament may again begin debates of the draconian Anti-Homosexuality bill during the parliaments lame duck session which is set…
Frank Amendment on the Persecution of Sexual and Religious Minorities Passes the House Financial Services Committee
Press Release from the Office of Congressman Barney Frank For Immediate Release Contact: Harry Gural Tuesday, March 15, 2011 Phone: (202) 225-9400 Cell: (202) 281-0670 Frank Amendment on…
House Committee OKs End to Antigay Aid
repost from The Advocate | by Michelle Garcia The House Financial Services Committee passed an amendment Tuesday that would discourage giving aid to countries that persecute their citizens…
Gay Rights At Center Stage In Battle Over Moldova Antidiscrimination Bill
repost from http://www.rferl.org | By Mircea Ticudean, Robert Coalson An antidiscrimination bill in Moldova has become a bone of contention between religious conservatives and gay-rights activists. And the…
Two Influential Americans Make Separate Visits to Europe’s Poorest Nation
repost from Human Rights First This past week, the former Soviet republic of Moldova received visits from two high-profile Americans. One of the visitors was Joe Biden, the…
Laws criminalizing homosexuality are incompatible with international human rights standards and fuel homophobia
repost from UNHCR website Laws criminalizing same-sex relations between consenting adults remain on the statute books in more than 70 countries. They are an affront to principles of…
United States Accepts UN Recommendations for Improving LGBT Rights at Home
Today the US State Department released its response to the recommendations made by the United Nations Human Rights Council on the human rights record of the United States.…
Leadership Matters
by Mark Bromley, Council Chair, The Council for Global Equality Richard Grenell posted an online piece for the Advocate on February 19 in response to Kerry Eleveld’s profile…
Malawi Council of Churches (MCC) Backup Government’s Criminalisation of Homosexuality
repost from African Activist The Malawi Council of Churches (MCC) issued a media statement in support of the criminalisation of sex between women by the Malawi government and…
Hungary: Ruling on Gay March a Human Rights Victory Hu
press release from Council member, Human Rights Watch Hungary: Ruling on Gay March a Human Rights Victory Protect Demonstrators from Violence, Guarantee Rights to Expression, Assembly (New York,…
The Sudden Rise of a Pro-Gay Foreign Policy in the United States
repost from Huffington Post by Javier Corrales | Professor of Political Science at Amherst College The Obama administration is often criticized for betraying gay rights. Despite having helped…
Congressman Payne Joins LGBT Caucus to Honor the Life of Ugandan Human Rights Activist David Kato
Congressman Donald Payne Tenth District – New Jersey For Immediate Release: February 12, 2011 Contact: Algene Sajery or Natalie Chwalisz (202) 226-7812 Congressman Payne Joins LGBT Caucus to…
Sex Between Women Now a Crime in Malawi: New Law Violates Human Rights Obligations of Malawi
press release from International Commission of Jurists IMMEDIATE RELEASE 8 February 2011 Sex Between Women Now a Crime in Malawi: New Law Violates Human Rights Obligations of Malawi…
NYC Vigil to Remember David Kato
When: February 3, 2011 4:00 pm Where: Dag Hammarskjold Plaza (E 47th street and Second ave). Vigil will be followed by a procession to Uganda House 336 East…
The Council supports the global community on MSM field guidance
On February 1, 2011, the global community urged the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator, Ambassador Goosby, to issue a PEPFAR Field Guidance on Men who have Sex with Men…
White House Issues Statement on the Murder of Ugandan Activist David Kato
THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ For Immediate Release January 27, 2011 Statement by the President on the Killing of David Kato I am deeply…
U.S. State Department Issues Statement on David Kato’s Murder
Murder of Ugandan LGBT Activist David Kato Press Statement Hillary Rodham Clinton Secretary of State Washington, DC January 27, 2011 We are profoundly saddened by the loss of…
CNN Reports on David Kato’s Murder
Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG) releases press statement
Brutal Murder of Gay Ugandan Human Rights Defender, David Kato Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG) and the entire Ugandan Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Intersex Community stands together to…
Uganda: Promptly Investigate Killing of Prominent LGBT Activist
repost from Council for Global Equality member organization, Human Rights Watch David Kato Was Fearless Voice for Human Rights January 27, 2011 (Kampala) - Police in Uganda should…
Ban Ki-moon statement calling for an end to human rights violations
During a special sitting at the United Nations on January 25, 2010, Ban Ki-moon delivered a powerful statement calling for an end to human rights violations based on…
Frank Mugisha and Cary Alan Johnson on LGBT Issues in Africa
Listen to International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC) Executive Director, Cary Alan Johnson and Frank Mugisha of Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG) discuss with WHYY Radio the…
IACHR Deeply Concerned About Murders of Members of the Transgender Community In Honduras
Press Release | The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) Washington, D.C., January 20, 2011 – The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) is deeply concerned about serious…
Advocate runs story about Hillary Clinton and the State Department
Kerry Eleveld of the Advocate published her story on Hillary Clinton and her team at the State Department in today’s online issue of the Advocate titled “Madam Secretary”.…
Ugandan Media barred from outing LGBT people
The Ugandan High Court issued a ruling yesterday barring media outlets from publishing the identities of perceived LGBT people. The decision is being called a “landmark” ruling by…
The Global Gay Rights Battlefields
In an article by Max Strasser in the December 20, 2010 issue of Foreign Policy Magazine the author highlights the LGBT rights battles taking shape in countries has…
Consular Report of Birth Abroad Certificate Improvements
repost from the US Department of State Website Media Note | Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC December 22, 2010 The Department of State is pleased to announce…
The first anniversary of the Malawi gay arrests
by David Jones, CEDEP-Malawi US Volunteer Whether in December you celebrate Ashura, Christmas, Hanukah, Kwanzaa, the Solstice, or the Gregorian or Islamic New Year, please remember Tiwonge Chimbalanga…
U.S. Leads Battle to Recognize Gay Rights at UN: Historic General Assembly Vote Reaffirms Equality for All
December 21, 2010 – In an important victory for LGBT rights on the floor of the UN General Assembly today, 93 countries supported a human rights resolution condemning…
NPR reports on the Anti-Gay Atmosphere Permeating Uganda
Listen to Barbara Bradley Hagerty’s report on the anti-gay atmosphere permeating Uganda. The story includes audio from her interview with the “kill the gays” bill author David Bahati…
Gay rights in focus before UN vote
repost from The AP By ANITA SNOW| The Associated Press Sunday, December 19, 2010 UNITED NATIONS — A culture war has broken out at the United Nations over…
Take Action on an Important LGBT Vote at the United Nations
U.S. Ambassador to the UN Susan Rice announced on Friday that the U.S. will press for a major UN vote to restore language in a resolution on extrajudicial…
Gays in Africa face growing persecution, activists say
repost from the Washington Post By Sudarsan Raghavan Washington Post | Foreign Service Sunday, December 12, 2010; A12 KAMPALA, UGANDA – Persecution of gays is intensifying across Africa,…
U.S. will press for a major UN vote to restore language in a resolution on extrajudicial killings
UN, New York, Dec. 10—In a speech at a UN event to mark International Human Rights Day, U.S. Ambassador Susan Rice today announced that the U.S. will press…
Human Rights Day 2010
A New Passage to India: Can the U.S. and India Forge a Human Rights Partnership on LGBT Rights? By Arvind Narrain and Mark Bromley President Obama described his…
Rachel Maddow exposes the stereotypes and prejudice that animate David Bahati
The Council was pleased to see Rachel Maddow expose the stereotypes and prejudice that animate David Bahati, the parliamentarian who authored the “anti-homosexuality” bill in Uganda, on her…
In Africa, homosexuality emerging as hot-button issue
Re-posted from The Christian Science Monitor By Scott Baldauf, Staff writer / December 8, 2010 Johannesburg, South Africa Long seen as a fringe societal taboo far from the realm…
Malawi’s parliament has adopted a bill criminalizing consensual sex between women
Malawi’s parliament has adopted a bill criminalizing consensual sex between women. Malawi’s President must now decide whether to sign the bill into law. Malawi’s penal code currently prohibits…
David Bahati is no longer welcome to attend international conference
The Council is pleased to learn that the organizers of the conference that Mr. Bahati is traveling to Washington DC to attend have decided that he will no…
Ugandan Parliamentarian who introduced the “kill the gays” bill may be in Washington
We are disappointed to learn that the Ugandan Parliamentarian who introduced the “kill the gays” bill may be in Washington this month for an international conference. We encourage…
Prime Minister of Kenya’s Office Explains Homophobic Comments
In this statement, the Prime Minister of Kenya’s office explains homophobic comments he made over the weekend. The clarification still has some troubling language, but it shows that…
News from the Council for Global Equality
Read the November 2010 newsletter from the Council for Global Equality. We’ve been busy this fall promoting a U.S. foreign policy inclusive of sexual orientation and gender identity.…
Gay Rights Are Human Rights
As posted on DipNote: U.S. Department of State Official Blog About the Author: Maria Otero serves as Under Secretary of State for Democracy and Global Affairs. I remember…
U.S. Falls Behind Other Nations on LGBT Issues
Geneva, November 5 – A high-level US government delegation today defended the country’s human rights record before the Human Rights Council at the UN in Geneva. In preparation…
Ambassador Michael Guest Interview at the 2010 OSCE Review Conference Warsaw, Poland (video)
From the U.S. Mission to the OSCE As the OSCE Review Conference drew to a close, Head of the U.S. Delegation, Ambassador Michael Guest, talks about the role…
LGBT participation at the 2010 OSCE Review Conference Warsaw, Poland (video)
Mark Bromley, Council Chair of The Council for Global Equality as well as organizations such as ILGA-Europe, Campaign Against Homophobia-Poland, COC Netherlands and Genderdoc-Moldova are interviewed about sexual…
Gay diplomat presses LGBT issues at int’l conference
Washington Blade | Chris Johnson | Oct 21, 2010 A gay diplomat led a U.S. delegation at an international conference earlier this month that touched on the importance…
Secretary Clinton participates in the “It Gets Better” Campaign
Are Multinational Corporations Caring More About Their LGBT Employees Around the World?
With a record number of global-themed workshops, this year’s out and equal summit marked rising concern for corporate America’s attention to equality in the workplace abroad. Fourteen sessions—ranging…
UNHCR Roundtable on Asylum-Seekers and Refugees Seeking Protection on Account of Their Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
repost from http://www.state.gov Special Assistant Elizabeth Drew, U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration Washington, DC, October 1, 2010 Thank you. It’s an honor to…
Discussion to Combat Hate Crimes and Promote Tolerance and Non-discrimination
Warsaw, Poland, October 6, 2010 – During a discussion of efforts to combat hate crimes and promote tolerance and non-discrimination at an international human rights conference…
IACHR Takes Case Involving Chile to the Inter-American Court
Repost – Interamerican Commission on Human Rights Washington, D.C., September 20, 2010 – The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) filed an application with the Inter-American Court of…
U.S. Co-Sponsors High-Level Panel on LGBT Rights at United Nations in Geneva
Deputy Assistant Secretary Baer and High Commissioner Pillay engage in High Level Panel on LGBT Rights Repost from the United State Mission to the United Nations and other…
An LGBT Response to the State Department’s UPR Report
By Julie Dorf, Senior Advisor The best part of Arizona Governor Jan Brewer’s livid reaction to the U.S. report to the United Nations on our country’s human rights…
Human Rights Defenders Combating Discrimination to Receive 2010 Honors
Press Release from Human Rights First CONTACT: Brenda Bowser Soder bowsersoderb@humanrightsfirst.org C: 301-906-4460, W: 202-370-3323 New York City – Human Rights First will present its 2010 Human Rights…
The United States Government Submits Its Report to the UN for the Universal Periodic Review (UPR)
August 23, 2010 – Today the United States released its self-evaluating Universal Periodic Review (UPR) report to the United Nation’s Human Rights Council outlining human rights conditions in…
Editor’s Letter: Working toward making international human rights a bigger priority.
From The Advocate September 2010 By Jon Barrett When news of Uganda’s “kill the gays” bill broke last year, there was a sense of—in my head at least—There…
Marriage Rights Are Spreading Across the Americas: Will the U.S. Supreme Court Take Notice?
by Mark Bromley, Council for Global Equality Earlier this month, a federal District Court judge in California, in the now-famous case of Perry v. Schwarzenegger, ruled that California’s…
Mexican States Ordered to Honor Gay Marriages
repost from the New York Times | By DAVID AGREN | published on August 10, 2010 MEXICO CITY — The Mexican Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that each of…
Statement by the President on UN Accreditation of the ILGHRC
THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary _________________________________________________________________ For Immediate Release July 19, 2010 Statement by the President on UN Accreditation of the ILGHRC I welcome this…
Remarks by Ambassador Rosemary A. DiCarlo, U.S. Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, during an Economic and Social Council Debate on the Accreditation of the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission
Rosemary A. DiCarlo Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations U.S. Mission to the United Nations New York, NY July 19, 2010 AS DELIVERED Mr. President, for over 20…
United Nations Grants Official Status to U.S.-based International LGBT Rights Group
repost from the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC) A victory against homophobic silencing of civil society 07/19/2010 For Immediate Release Press Contacts: Sara Perle, New…
LGBT, Immigration, Civil Rights and Faith Groups Praise Congress for United Effort to End Discrimination Against Lesbian & Gay Binational Families
July 15, 2010 For Immediate Release Contact: Steve Ralls (202) 347-7007 / sralls (at) imeqactionfund.org WASHINGTON, DC – A coalition of organizations and leaders from the lesbian, gay,…
Council for Global Equality Criticized in The Advocate for Airing Domestic Inequities at UN
The August edition of The Advocate, which hit newsstands yesterday, has an article by James Kirchick that criticizes the Council for submitting information to the United Nations for…
Ugandan Human Rights Activist Focuses on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Advocacy in the United States, Visits Washington, D.C., Louisville, and Salt Lake City
U.S. Department of State Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC July 9, 2010 Ugandan Human Rights Activist Focuses on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Advocacy in the United…
LGBT trends in Africa
In the context of Secretary Clinton’s recent speech on LGBT rights, where she emphatically declared that “gay rights are human rights” and welcomed four LGBT activists from Africa…
LGBT Pride Celebration Event at U.S. State Department
Watch the full event including welcome statements from GLIFAA board president Bob Gilchrist, a speech from USAID Administrator Dr. Rajiv Shah, an introduction from the Secretary’s of State…
Getting the Best of Both Worlds – Progress on Global LGBT Issues
It was hard to keep a dry eye when Secretary of State Clinton introduced four LGBT activists from Uganda, Malawi, Cameroon, and South Africa to a packed auditorium…
European Parliament welcome EU’s adoption of equality toolkit
James Sanders | news.PinkPaper.com | Wednesday, 30 June 2010 The European Parliament has welcomed the European Union’s adoption of a toolkit to promote and protect gay and lesbian…
UNAIDS Reinforces Role in Combating HIV/AIDS Among Men Who Have Sex with Men
Thank you to amfAR for allowing Global Equality Today to re-post U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT INSTRUMENTAL IN LOBBYING EFFORTS NEW YORK, June 28, 2010—amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research,…
Council Representatives Join Secretary Clinton, USAID Administrator Shah to Discuss LGBT Human Rights
Secretary Clinton and USAID Administrator Shah spoke about integrating LGBT human rights with U.S. foreign policy in a State Department briefing on Tuesday, June 22. Following keynote remarks…
U.S. Department of State Announces Change Regarding Gender on Passports
U.S. Department of State announced that beginning on June 10 transgender individuals will need to present certification from an attending physician that the applicant has “undergone appropriate clinical…
The Council for Global Equality submits shadow report to the U.S. Department of State
This week, the Council for Global Equality, together with Global Rights, Human Rights Campaign, Human Rights First, National Center for Lesbian Rights, and Immigration Equality submitted a shadow…
In The Life – Intersections of Church and State
Watch this months In The Life documentary on how religious organizations are using their money and influence to sanction homophobia around the world. Mark Bromley of the Council…
Presidential Proclamation–Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month
The White House as issued a proclamation commemorating June as LGBT Pride Month. Read the full proclamation here
Center for the Development of People (CEDEP)-Malawi
Government has announced that the pardon for Steven Monjeza and Tiwonge Chimbalanga is for the sentence only and that if the two men do not end their relationship…
Statement by the Press Secretary on Today’s Pardoning in Malawi
THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary For Immediate Release May 29, 2010 Statement by the Press Secretary on Today’s Pardoning in Malawi The White House is…
Zuma slams Malawi imprisonment of gays
Repost From Times Live | May 27, 2010 3:39 PM | By Brendan Boyle President Jacob Zuma today condemned Malawi’s imprisonment of two gay men who publicly announced…
UNAIDS and the Global Fund meet with Chair of the African Union
Press Release Issued by UNAIDS and Global Fund Executive Directors discuss the Millennium Development Goals and human rights as they complete joint visit to Malawi LILONGWE, Malawi, 25…
Zimbabwe police raid gay group offices, arrest 2
Associated Press By CHENGETAI ZVAUYA (AP) HARARE, Zimbabwe — Police have arrested two members of a gay organization after they posted a letter in their office from former…
The Case of Steven Monjeza and Tiwonge Chimbalanga
Many of you have been following the case of Steven Monjeza and Tiwonge Chimbalanga, two young Malawi individuals who have been sentenced to fourteen years of hard labor…
Homophobia is Defeated but Not Yet Deterred: Next Steps in the Struggle for Equality in Uganda and Beyond
Reports from Uganda this week suggest that the notorious “Anti-Homosexuality” bill, which has been pending in the country’s parliament since last year, may finally be quashed. The head…
Violence as Lithuania gay pride march goes ahead
From BBC News Police fired tear gas and arrested at least 12 people as opponents of Lithuania’s first gay pride parade threw stones and fireworks at marchers. Hundreds…
News from the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia 2010 (IDAHO).
From our friends at IDAHO Once again, the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia will be marked by hundreds of events across all continents and will witness some…
The “Us Versus Them” Mentality
Much already has been said by others on Arizona’s new law that would allow – no, require – police officers to infringe on civil liberties in an effort…
Lou Engle’s Personal Crusade to Encourage the “Anti-Homosexuality Bill”
For some time now, Uganda’s so-called “anti-homosexuality bill” has been on a slow roll, still pending in parliament but with no visible sign of movement. Last weekend, U.S.…
Senate Committee Passes Feingold Amendment Strengthening LGBT Protections Worldwide
April 27, 2010 – U.S. Senator Russ Feingold (D-WI) offered an amendment today in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to help the State Department address LGBT human rights…
The International and the Domestic – Where the Worlds Come Together
So much of social justice work occurs in single-issue silos. Even within our own LGBT “single issue,” domestic issues in the United States and the LGBT struggles in…
The Council for Global Equality and HRC submit report to United Nations Human Rights Council as part of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR).
As posted on HRC Action. April 23, 2010 Earlier this week, HRC, as a member of the Council for Global Equality, submitted a report to the United Nations…
U.S. Senate Passes Resolution Condemning the “Anti-Homosexuality” Bill in Uganda
The U.S. Senate has unanimously passed a resolution introduced by U.S. Senators Russ Feingold (D-WI), Tom Coburn (R-OK), Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Susan Collins (R-ME) condemning the “Anti-Homosexuality”…
Senate Foreign Relations Committee Approves Resolution Opposing Ugandan Anti-Homosexuality Bill, 2009
by Ty Cobb of Human Rights Campaign | As posted on HRC’s Back Story Blog Today, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee passed a senate resolution (S. Res. 409)…
Uganda’s Anti-homosexuality Bill Remains Pending
Uganda’s anti-homosexuality bill remains pending in parliament. The latest edition of Box Turtle Bulletin reports on what may be the bill’s slow demise (follow link below). However, until…
Gen. Sheehan to Former Dutch Defense chief of staff Gen. Henk Van den Breemen
Read a letter from Gen. Sheehan to Former Dutch Defense chief of staff Gen. Henk Van den Breemen, who was supposedly Sheehan’s source of information, apologizing for his…
An unfair attack on gay troops – latimes.com
The massacre at Srebrenica was a tragedy, but the Dutch army’s policy allowing gays in the military had nothing to do with it. by Boris Dittrich Published in:…
Restoring America’s Health
So finally, the health care juggernaut is broken! We share the view that the new health care reform law, while not perfect, is a step forward. And after…
Supporting the Human Rights of LGBT People Globally
Last week in Stockholm, the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) hosted a meeting of donor countries together with private foundations that support the human rights of LGBT…
Congressman Eliot Engel calls on Honduran government to end impunity for human rights abuses directed at the country’s LGBT community
At a Congressional hearing in Washington this week, Congressman Eliot Engel (D-NY), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, called on the Honduran government…
Severe Human Rights Abuses against LGBT People Documented in State Department Report to Congress
Washington, DC – March 11, 2010 – The Council for Global Equality applauds this year’s State Department human rights report to Congress for underscoring the clear and growing…
US State Department 2009 Country Reports on Human Rights
Secretary Clinton discusses the release of the 2009 Country Reports on Human Rights.
Faith Itself Requires Courage
In the end, Mr. Bahati did not come to Washington for the National Prayer Breakfast. But surely he’s heard by now a few choice words from President Obama…
The Council for Global Equality presents a joint statement emphasizing the ongoing need to protect the basic human rights of LGBT Americans
In December, the Senate Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on Human Rights and the Law held a groundbreaking hearing on U.S. implementation of human rights treaties. The Council for Global…
The Council for Global Equality releases a study on the impact of PEPFAR on LGBT communities
The President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief has saved many lives and profoundly shaped the global response to HIV. But like the proverbial Trojan Horse, it has been…
How Ideology Trumped Science: Why PEPFAR has Failed to Meet its Potential
Next week, the Center for American Progress will publish a scathing critique of how PEPFAR – the Bush Administration’s signature initiative to combat the spread and impact of…
State Department meets with Advocacy Groups on Uganda Bill
December 21, 2009 – The U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Johnnie Carson, met with approximately 30 advocacy leaders last week to highlight the State Department’s…
Updates on Uganda from a Washington Perspective
December 14, 2009–As the Council for Global Equality attempts to keep pressure on the United States government to do all it can to stop the “Anti-Homosexuality Bill” from…
Human Rights Day
Human Rights Day: Today, December 10, is UN “Human Rights Day.” The date marks the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in the United Nations.…