United Nations Radio

For the first time ever the UN General Assembly addressed the issue of gay and lesbian rights.

The European Union and thirty-nine other nations signed a declaration calling for the decriminalization of homosexuality. Rama Yade, French Secretary of State for international affairs and Human Rights called the effort historical.

French Secretary of State Rama Yade

"This ambitious declaration is a major step forward. It is the first time such a text is being presented in the United Nations in New York. Secondly, it is the first time
such vigorous text is being putting (forward)on homosexuality by country from every continent. It is the first time a declaration on this subject is being signed by so a large number of countries - sixty-six."

Argentina, Brazil, Cuba, Israel and Japan were among the nations joining the EU in expressing concern for the violation of "human rights and fundamental freedoms based on sexual orientation and gender identity." The US, China, Russia and Arab nations were among those which did not sign the declaration. The declaration is not legally binding.

Gail Walker, United Nations

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