President Obama on Wednesday broadly referenced gay rights during his address to the U.N. General Assembly in New York.
“I’ve
seen a longing for positive change – for peace and freedom and
opportunity – in the eyes of young people I’ve met around the globe,” he
said. “They remind me that no matter who you are, or where you come
from, or what you look like, or what God you pray to, or who you love,
there is something fundamental that we all share.”
“The
people of the world look to us, here, to be as decent, as dignified,
and as courageous as they are in their daily lives,” added Obama. “And
at this crossroads, I can promise you that the United States of America
will not be distracted or deterred from what must be done. We are heirs
to a proud legacy of freedom, and we are prepared to do what is
necessary to secure that legacy for generations to come. Join us in this
common mission, for today’s children and tomorrow’s.”
Obama’s
speech comes two days after the U.S. and its allies launched air
strikes against the Islamic State in Syria and Iraq. The address also
coincides with ongoing tensions between Russia and Europe over the war
between Ukraine and pro-Russian separatists.
Obama on Wednesday was also scheduled to meet with Ugandan Foreign Minister Sam Kutesa, who is the president of the U.N. General Assembly.
An
administration official told the Washington Blade the White House has
“previously raised this issue” of Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act that
imposes a life sentence upon anyone found guilty of repeated same-sex
sexual acts with Kutesa.
“He is well aware of our concerns,” said the official.
Ned
Price, a spokesperson for the National Security Council, told the Blade
the White House expects “their conversation will center on matter
pertaining to the U.N.”
“More
broadly, the Obama Administration has long spoken out — including with
the Ugandans — in support of universal human rights and fundamental
freedoms for all, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender
individuals,” said Price.
- See more at: http://www.washingtonblade.
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