NEW YORK, July 10 (C-Fam) A monumental development for the profamily movement came last week in Geneva when

the Human Rights

Council approved a resolution calling for countries to take concrete steps to
protect the family, described in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
as the natural and fundamental group unit of society.
This is the second such resolution at the Human Rights Council (HRC) in
two years, following two decades in which the family has been treated as
highly controversial at the UN. In 2014, the HRCpassed a resolution on the
protection of the family by a vote of 26 in favor, 14 against, 6 abstentions,
and one member absent. This years resolution enjoyed an increased
majority: 29 in favor, 14 against, and 4 abstentions.
The resolution urges countries to adopt family-friendly laws and policies,
while recognizing that the family unit faces increasing vulnerabilities, and
calls upon international organizations to give due consideration to the
family in the establishment of the post-2015 global development agenda.
The resolution notes that the family is the natural environment for the
growth and well-being of all its members and particularly children, and that
while the State is responsible for protecting the human rights of all, the
family has the primary responsibility for the nurturing and protection of
children.
Both recent resolutions received strong opposition from states and
organizations with a pro-sexual rights position on the basis that they might
be used to advance highly contentious family values and family-oriented
policies, according to a statement by the group Sexual Rights Initiative
(SRI), which exists to promote the extremely contentious notion of sexual
rights within international institutions.
The most contentious aspect of the resolution involved the definition of the
family, which is not explicitly outlined. The 2014 resolution was described
by the European Parliaments LGBT intergroup as non-inclusive, as the
reference to a singular family could be used as precedent to oppose rights
for same-sex couples, single parents, and other forms of families. During
last weeks debate, South Africa proposed a narrowly rejected amendment
calling for a text acknowledging that in different contexts, various forms of
the family exist.

Egypt introduced the resolution, and said it imposed no specific definition

and left the matter of defining the family to the discretion of member states.
The text acknowledges the diversity of households by noting singleheaded households, child-headed households and intergenerational
households are particularly vulnerable to poverty and social exclusion. The
resolution also pays particular attention to families with disabled members,
calling upon states to ensure they receive adequate support.
In the same week the U.S. Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage,
the U.S., which voted against the resolution in the HRC, expressed
disappointment that it failed to recognize the diversity of families not
content to allow fellow countries the opportunity to define the family in
accordance with their own values.
The phrase various forms of the family is not neutral: in April the HRC
Working Group on discrimination against women published
a report explicitly including families comprising lesbian, gay, bisexual,
transgender and intersex (LGBTI) persons and self-created and selfdefined families among its various iterations.
As the Vice-President of the LGBT Intergroup said last year: It should not
be up to an accidental majority of states to define what does and what does
not constitute a family. That declaration cuts both ways.
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The U.N. Human Rights Council on Friday adopted a resolution against anti-LGBT violence and discrimination.
The body approved the resolution by a 25-14 vote margin after more than an hour of debate.
The U.S., along with Argentina, Austria, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Cuba, Czech Republic, Estonia, France,
Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Montenegro, Peru, Philippines, South Korea, South Africa, Macedonia,
the U.K., Venezuela and Vietnam voted for the proposal. Algeria, Botswana, Cote dIvoire, Ethiopia, Gabon,
Indonesia, Kenya, Kuwait, Maldives, Morocco, Pakistan, Russia, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates
opposed it.
Burkina Faso, China, Congo, India, Kazakhstan, Namibia and Sierra Leone abstained.
The U.N. Human Rights Council before the final vote rejected seven proposed amendments put forth by Egypt,
Uganda, Pakistan, South Sudan and other countries that sought to strip LGBT-specific language from the
proposal
We are pleased to see that today the international community is visibly and publicly upholding the rights of LGBT
individuals, and thereby we demonstrate ourselves as a global community respecting the rights of all, said
Ambassador Keith Harper, who represents the U.S. on the U.N. Human Rights Council.
Pakistans representative to the U.N. Human Rights Council described the resolution as a divisive and
controversial initiative.
The Human Rights Council has taken a fundamental step forward by reaffirming one of the United Nations key
principles that everyone is equal in dignity and rights, said Jessica Stern, executive director of the
International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission, after the vote. This resolution puts the U.N. on a
trajectory to address the discrimination and violence LGBT persons suffer daily across the world.
Laurindo Garcia, founder of the B-Change Foundation, a Filipino LGBT advocacy group, told the Washington
Blade in an e-mail from New York that he hopes the resolution will spur his countrys lawmakers to pass a
national anti-discrimination bill.

What passed in Geneva means that violence perpetrated against us in our homes and communities will not be
tolerated, said Garcia. It means that our police serve to protect us and our families in the same way they protect
every other Filipino citizen. Philippine businesses need to know that they can no longer discriminate against trans
Pinoys who want to access services or gain employment. And our health providers and insurers can no longer
deny health from LGBT communities. Weve got a long way to go, and we needed a win like this to reenergise
the community.
Chile, Colombia, Uruguay and Brazil introduced the resolution earlier this month.
The Movement for Homosexual Liberation and Integration, a Chilean LGBT advocacy group, in a statement it
released immediately after the vote applauded President Michelle Bachelets administration for advancing the
resolution. The organization nevertheless pointed out anti-LGBT discrimination and a lack of marriage rights for
same-sex couples remain an issue for advocates in the South American country.
The leadership shown (at the U.N. Human Rights Council) is also a challenge and commitment of the authorities
to end all forms of discrimination in our country, which includes the approval of marriage equality, said the
Movement for Homosexual Integration and Liberation. Anything to the contrary would contradict this leadership
shown today.
The U.N. Human Rights Council in 2011 narrowly approved an LGBT rights resolution that South Africa
introduced.
The same body in June adopted a resolution on Protection of the Family that Egypt spearheaded. Russia,
Uganda and other countries co-sponsored it.
LGBT advocates earlier this week expressed concern that South Africa would not support the latest resolution,
but in the end the country backed it.
Ambassador Abdul Samad Minty, who is South Africas permanent U.N. representative in Geneva, said after the
vote that the resolution is in sync with our national values shaped on our own history and experience of
discrimination.
This history and the struggle against all forms of discrimination has therefore made us, as a people and a
country, committed to the principle that no person should be subjected to discrimination or violence based on
race, class, sex, religion, gender and as is the case with this resolution, on the basis of sexual orientation or
gender identity, said Minty. It is the same value base that guides our stance on fighting for equality between
countries and why we shall always make our voices heard about exploitation and oppression of people in any
form.
- See more at: http://www.washingtonblade.com/2014/09/26/breaking-u-n-human-rights-council-adopts-lgbtresolution/#sthash.ZFJ9Hidz.dpuf

The 53-member U.N. Commission on Human Rights is charged with the

responsibility of monitoring and promoting human rights worldwide. In 2003, the
Commission was chaired by Libya -- an ironic situation, because that country has
a particularly poor civil rights record. Brazil has introduced a draft resolution
titled, "Human Rights and Sexual Orientation," which addresses the topic of
equal rights for gays and lesbians. The text of the resolution follows:

"The Commission on Human Rights,

"Reaffirming the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International

Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the International Covenant on
Civil and Political Rights, the International Convention on the Elimination of all
Forms of Racial Discrimination, the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of
Discrimination Against Women, the Convention against Torture and other Cruel,
Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, and the Convention on the
Rights of the Child, "

"Recalling that recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and
inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of
freedom, justice and peace in the world,"

"Reaffirming that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights affirms the principle
of the inadmissibility of discrimination and proclaims that all human beings are
born free and equal in dignity and rights and that everyone is entitled to all the
rights and freedoms set forth therein without distinction of any kind,

"Affirming that human rights education is a key to changing attitudes and

behavior and to promoting respect for diversity in societies, [the Human Rights
Commission],

"1. Expresses deep concern at the occurrence of violations of human rights in the
world against persons on the grounds of their sexual orientation;"

"2. Stresses that human rights and fundamental freedoms are the birthright of all
human beings, that the universal nature of these rights and freedoms is beyond
question and that the enjoyment of such rights and freedoms should not be
hindered in any way on the grounds of sexual orientation;"

"3. Calls upon all States to promote and protect the human rights of all persons
regardless of their sexual orientation;"

"4. Notes the attention given to human rights violations on the grounds of sexual
orientation by the special procedures in their reports to the Commission on
Human Rights, as well as by the treaty monitoring bodies, and encourages all
special procedures of the Commission, within their mandates, to give due
attention to the subject;"

"5. Requests the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to pay due
attention to the violation of human rights on the grounds of sexual orientation;"

"6. Decides to continue consideration of the matter at its sixtieth session under
the same agenda item."
Recent headlines in Europe and the US could lead you to believe that the
momentum is building in favour of equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans
(LGBT) people. A deeper look at the data, however, reveals a more complicated
story unfolding around the world.

In 77 countries it's a crime to be gay; in 10, it can cost you your life. And this
number is growing. In the past few months, India has shocked the world by
reinstating a colonial rule that criminalises sex between men. This month, Brunei

has started to implement a strict new penal code that will allow death by stoning
as a punishment for homosexuality and adultery.

This rise in anti-gay sentiment is powered in no small part by fringe religious

extremists of multiple faiths. It is organised, well-resourced and is dramatically
exacerbating the discrimination and violence that LGBT people face. Russia,
Uganda and Nigeria are making homophobia the law of the land and stirring up a
culture of hate. Their new anti-gay laws, which penalise public advocacy and
increase jail sentences for LGBT people, may pale in comparison with the law
recently introduced in Kyrgyzstan to penalise any positive statement about
homosexuality.

And there's more. A recent court ruling in France blocked two married lesbians
from adopting each other's child, against the interests of these two children. A
Romanian MEP candidate is campaigning on an anti-gay ticket, claiming that the
European parliament is failing to maintain traditions and family values. The first
two Ugandans to be charged under the "kill the gays" law are facing life
imprisonment. Waves of arrests of gay people intended to "exorcise" or "cure"
them are being reported in Nigeria.

The real human impact of these laws is devastating and can't be

underestimated: each day more people must sacrifice their safety and dignity
because of who they are or whom they love. Today, we live in a world where our
ability to live openly is increasingly a privilege determined largely by the luck of
your birth.

family foundation
Members of the Family Foundation and supporters of traditional marriage pray
outside court in Richmond, Virginia, this week in advance a ruling on gay
marriage in the state. Photograph: Steve Helber/AP
But there are powerful signs of hope to challenge these difficult truths. We have
witnessed a sea change in marriage equality and victories in anti-discrimination
laws. The United States is debating national laws to prohibit discrimination based
on sexual orientation in the workplace. Peru and other countries in Latin America
are debating a civil unions bill. India's supreme court has just given citizens the
right to self-identify their gender and has granted legal status to a third gender
category. The efforts of grassroots and human rights organisations are paying
significant dividends.

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And perhaps most importantly, millions of people around the world are showing
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This is what All Out is all about. Bringing the power of people beyond language
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By joining forces to stand for love against those who would take our dignity,
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Some anti-LGBT Members of Congress just cant accept that the country has embraced
marriage equality.
Last week, Representative Steve King (R-IA) who was included in HRCs Hall of Shame
of the most anti-equality Members of Congress introduced a resolution in the U.S. House of
Representatives expressing displeasure at the historic Supreme Court decision in Obergefell
v. Hodges, which finally provided nationwide marriage equality.
The resolution would express the sense of the House of Representatives that

the traditional definition of marriage is a union between one man and one woman;
the majority opinion in Obergefell unconstitutionally and indefensibly distorts the
definition of marriage;

the States may refuse to be bound by the holding inObergefell;

the States are not required to license same-sex marriage or recognize same-sex
marriages performed in other States; and

individuals, businesses, churches, religious groups, and other faith-based

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Thankfully, a majority of Americans dont agree with Rep. Kings assessment. Recent
polling shows that only 33 percent of Americans now oppose marriage equality an all-time
low. In contrast, 61 percent of Americans support marriage equality, and 70 percent of young
Americans agree. About LGBT Human Rights

We all have a sexual orientation and a gender identity, and this shared fact means that
discrimination against members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community,
based on sexual orientation and/ or gender identity, is an issue that transcends that community
and affects all of us.
Sexual orientation covers sexual desires, feelings, practices and identification. Sexual
orientation can be towards people of the same or different sexes (same-sex, heterosexual or
bisexual orientation). Gender identity refers to the complex relationship between sex and
gender, referring to a person's experience of self expression in relation to social categories of
masculinity or femininity (gender). A person's subjectively felt gender identity may be at
variance with their sex or physiological characteristics.
Amnesty International believes that all people, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender
identity, should be able to enjoy their human rights. Although the Universal Declaration of
Human Rights does not explicitly mention sexual orientation or gender identity, evolving
conceptions of international human rights law include a broad interpretation to include the
rights and the protection of the rights of LGBT people around the world.
The Yogyakarta Principles on the Application of International Human Rights Law in Relation
to Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity, developed in 2006 by a group of LGBT experts in
Yogyarkarta, Indonesia
The Yogyakarta Principles on the Application of International Human Rights Law in Relation
to Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity, developed in 2006 by a group of LGBT experts in

Yogyarkarta, Indonesia in response to well-known examples of abuse, provides a universal

guide to applying international human rights law to violations experienced by lesbians, gay
men, bisexual and transgender people to ensure the universal reach of human rights
protections.
However, across the globe, there remain many instances where an individuals' sexual
orientation or gender identity can lead them to face execution, imprisonment, torture,
violence or discrimination. The range of abuse is limitless and it contravenes the fundamental
tenets of international human rights law.
Human rights abuses based on sexual orientation or gender can include violation of the rights
of the child; the infliction of torture and cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment (Article 5);
arbitrary detention on grounds of identity or beliefs (Article 9); the restriction of freedom of
association (Article 20) and the denial of the basic rights of due process.
Examples include:
Execution by the state
Denial of employment, housing or health services
Loss of custody of children
Denial of asylum
Rape and otherwise torture in detention
Threats for campaigning for LGBT human rights
Regular subjection to verbal abuse
In many countries, the refusal of governments to address violence committed against LGBT
people creates a culture of impunity where such abuses can continue and escalate
unmitigated. Often, such abuses are committed by the state authorities themselves, with or
without legal sanction.

Issues

Decriminalization
People detained or imprisoned solely because of their homosexuality - including those
individuals prosecuted for having sex in circumstances which would not be criminal for
heterosexuals, or for their gender identity - are considered to be prisoners of conscience and
Amnesty International calls for their immediate and unconditional release.
Amnesty International calls for the decriminalization of homosexuality where such legislation
remains, including a review of all legislation which could result in the discrimination,
prosecution and punishment of people solely for their sexual orientation or gender identity.
All such laws should be repealed or amended.
READ MORE
Marriage Equality
The right of adults to enter into consensual marriage is enshrined in international human
rights standards.
Article 16, Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)
Men and women of full age, without any limitation due to race, nationality or religion, have
the right to marry and to found a family. They are entitled to equal rights as to marriage,
during marriage and at its dissolution.
Civil marriage between individuals of the same-sex is therefore an issue in which
fundamental human rights are at stake. Amnesty International believes that the denial of equal
civil recognition of same-sex relationships prevents many people from accessing a range of
other rights, such as rights to housing and social security, and stigmatizes those relationships
in ways that can fuel discrimination and other human rights abuses against people based on
their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Amnesty International opposes discrimination in civil marriage laws on the basis of sexual
orientation or gender identity and calls on states to recognize families of choice, across
borders where necessary. States should not discriminate against minority groups based on
identity.
READ MORE
In addition, AIUSA calls on states to:
Ensure that all allegations and reports of human rights violations based on sexual orientation
or gender identity are promptly and impartially investigated and perpetrators held
accountable and brought to justice;
Take all necessary legislative, administrative and other measures to prohibit and eliminate
prejudicial treatment on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity at every stage of the
administration of justice;
Ensure adequate protection of human rights defenders at risk because of their work on human
rights and sexual orientation and gender identity.
Marchers filed through the French capital on Sunday to protest against President Francois
Hollande's plan to legalize gay marriage and adoption.

Here is a timeline on marriage and the rights of homosexuals in France.

1791 - Following the French Revolution, the penal code is amended to decriminalize
homosexual acts. But social disapproval in the traditionally Catholic country remains strong
until recent years.

1995 - Saint Nazaire becomes the first city to allow homosexuals to register as concubines, a
legal concept allowing limited shared rights for unmarried couples living together.

1999 - The National Assembly approves "civil solidarity pacts" (PACS) after heated debates
but few protests. Open to all, they provide many tax breaks granted to married couples in
joint tax returns. The PACS is a contract certified by a court clerk, without a civil wedding
ceremony, and can be terminated in writing to the court. Partners retain their assets separately
and there is no duty to provide for a former partner.

2001 - Bertrand Delanoe, a Socialist who was one of the first French politicians to publicly
declare his homosexuality, is elected mayor of Paris. Since then, an openly gay man and an
openly bisexual man serve as culture ministers in conservative national governments.

2004 - Two men are married by the mayor of Begles near Bordeaux in France's first same-sex
marriage. A court later declares their union null and void because the civil code indicates that
marriage involves a man and a woman.

2006 - A parliamentary report recommends expanding taxation, property and succession

rights in civil unions but keeping bans on marriage, adoption and assisted reproduction. It
maintains that extending those rights to gay couples would violate the United Nations
Convention on the Rights of the Child, which France has signed. No action is taken on this
report.

2010 - Originally seen as a kind of gay union, the PACS gradually morphs into "marriage
lite" for heterosexuals. In 2010, there are 251,654 heterosexual marriages and 205,558 civil
unions, 94 percent of them between heterosexuals. The term "pacs" enters into current usage
to describe someone in this status between single and married.

2012 - Francois Hollande includes gay marriage as one of 60 campaign promises but it does
not figure highly in debates for the presidential election in May. In November, the cabinet
approves a draft law allowing same-sex marriage with adoption rights that will be presented
to parliament on January 29

2013 - On January 13, Catholics, conservatives, Muslims, evangelicals and homosexuals

opposed to same-sex marriage march in Paris in the first major street protest against President
Francois Hollande.