In a statement released today, Secretary of State John Kerry has condemned violence against gay people and says “LGBT persons must be free to exercise their human rights—including freedom of expression, freedom of religion and freedom of assembly and association—without fear of reprisal.” Kerry’s comments come just days after President Obama released his own in support of LGBT Pride and equality.
Read Kerry’s complete statement below:
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 the fight to advance the human rights and fundamental freedoms of LGBT people, both here in the United States and globally. Protecting universal human rights is at the very heart of our diplomacy, and we remain committed to advancing human rights for all, including LGBT individuals.
Unfortunately, recent events underscore that we can’t be content with the progress we’ve made. We still have a long way to go. All over the world, people continue to be killed, arrested, and harassed simply because of who they are, or who they love. There are LGBT people of all ages, all races and all faiths, citizens of every country on Earth. In too many places, LGBT people and their supporters are still attacked if they just attempt to stand up for their rights and participate in peaceful rallies or marches, or simply for being who they are.
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The United States condemns this violence and harassment. LGBT persons must be free to exercise their human rights—including freedom of expression, freedom of religion and freedom of assembly and association—without fear of reprisal. Human rights and fundamental freedoms belong to all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
The United States will continue to stand up for the human rights of all people, during this month and every month throughout the year, and we are proud to do so.
gppm1103
How nice for your concern John….Please. We are just so grateful for your support.
Now, please go away.
Billysees
Every friend and supporter of the LGBT community is soooooo welcomed.
Gratitude and thankfulness is almost unspeakable.
It’s like they’re all unspeakable gifts to us.
balehead
Always laugh when Kerry is “Slumming again”…
Niall
Good heavens, why have I never noticed his head before? 0_0
jwrappaport
Another shameless opportunist who’s “evolved” when it suited him.
@Billysees: No, it’s just that insincere support is insulting to our collective intelligence. He’s changed his tunes because the political tides changed.
Billysees
@jwrappaport: 5
Agree that insincere support is insulting and that a politician is quite capable of that.
But Kerry is a well known Dem and I wouldn’t think that he would be that insincere.
But then again, I haven’t tracked his political career so I wouldn’t know for sure.
gradoc
IMHO any prominant political figure making public statements in support of LBGTi rights is a good thing. I am in New Zealand yet am incredibly grateful for Obama’s public support of gay marriage. For when he did, it prompted our NZ Prime Minister John Key to come out in support which helped set the ball rolling for marriage equality which is now becoming legal. The cynical side of me doubts whether Key would had supported it were it not for Obama, yet regardless of his motivations I am grateful that this has led our government to set a moral example for our society to follow. It may seem Machiavellian, but I feel that regardless of their personal motivation, any time a public figure comes out in support of us it is another opportunity for changing the views of those that respect them. You may not respect Kerry yourself, but for those that do this may be what helps them reconsider their views and cross to our side. Even if it is just one person who is affected in this way – and even if Kerry’s motivations are as shallow as some of you say – I still think it is worth it.
Billysees
@gradoc: 7
Nice comment.
This stands out —
” any time a public figure comes out in support of us it is another opportunity for changing the views of those that respect them. ”
Also, it was interesting to hear and see the singing in your parliament when Gay marriage was passed.