17/06/2011 17:30
UN passes 'historic' gay rights bill
The UN Human Rights Council on Friday passed a historic resolution that seeks equal rights for everyone regardless of their sexual orientation, marking progress for gay rights despite strong Arab and African opposition, AFP reported.
The resolution was passed narrowly with 23 votes in favor, 19 against and three abstentions, after an emotional debate that saw African states accusing South Africa of breaking ranks with the region and siding with the West after it introduced the issue.
The resolution "affirms that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights and that everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms ... without distinction of any kind."
It also commissions a study on discriminatory laws and violence against individuals based on their sexual orientation and gender identity.