Obama has been presented with a unique opportunity . . . will he take it? . . .

[OneBlueSky]

the United States has just voted against a U.N. resolution that decriminalizes homosexuality worldwide . . .

if Barack Obama is, as he claims, a "fierce advocate" for gay and lesbian rights, this is his opportunity to prove it by speaking up, loudly and clearly, against the U.S. vote on this resolution . . . and by promising that, when he takes office, the U.S. will change its vote and join the rest of the civilized world in declaring that homosexuality is not a crime . . .

what say you, Mr. President-Elect? . . .

[babylonsister]

1. I sincerely hope so. UN/gay rights article here:

In a First, Gay Rights Are Pressed at the U.N.

By NEIL MACFARQUHAR
Published: December 18, 2008


UNITED NATIONS — An unprecedented declaration seeking to decriminalize homosexuality won the support of 66 countries in the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday, but opponents criticized it as an attempt to legitimize pedophilia and other “deplorable acts.”

The United States refused to support the nonbinding measure, as did Russia, China, the Roman Catholic Church and members of the Organization of the Islamic Conference. The Holy See’s observer mission issued a statement saying that the declaration “challenges existing human rights norms.”

The declaration, sponsored by France with broad support in Europe and Latin America, condemned human rights violations based on homophobia, saying such measures run counter to the universal declaration of human rights.

“How can we tolerate the fact that people are stoned, hanged, decapitated and tortured only because of their sexual orientation?” said Rama Yade, the French state secretary for human rights, noting that homosexuality is banned in nearly 80 countries and subject to the death penalty in at least six.

more...

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/19/world/19nations.html?_r=1&ref=todayspaper

[tekisui]

2. Susan Rice will be the UN Ambassador. I believe she will sign on.

[OneBlueSky]

3. probably so, but Obama would be wise to speak up NOW . . .

particularly in light of the major shit storm that has engulfed his choice of Rick Warren to give the invocation at his inauguration . . . a strong statement supporting the U.N. resolution would go a long way toward mending fences that the Warren invitation have broken . . .