The UN Human Rights Council expressed grave concern at the violence and discrimination experienced by people because of their sexual orientation or gender identity and called for a global study to document the suffering they face. Contrary to some press reports, this does not mean that gay rights have attained the same status within the global body as race, religious ethnic or even gender. Rather, this may be the step before in that it calls for documentation of violations of and why gay rights may need universal protection. The Resolution was adopted narrowly and required careful drafting, The Council asked the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to carry out a study by December that details “discriminatory laws and practices and acts of violence against individuals based on their sexual orientation and gender identity, in all regions of the world.” The Resolution calls on the study to also consider “how international human rights law can be used to end violence and related human rights violations based on sexual orientation and gender identity.” (From UNHCHR & UN News Centre Sources) Close Vote to Document/Study Discrimination & Violence Against Twenty-three countries voted in favor of the resolution, 19 countries voted against, and three others abstained. A month earlier UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay warned that hate crimes against lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and transgender people were on the rise around the world. Ms. Pillay stressed that homophobia and transphobia were no different to sexism, racism or xenophobia. “But whereas these last forms of prejudice are universally condemned by governments, homophobia and transphobia are too often overlooked,” she said.(PHOTO ABOVE of UN Human Rights Council). Resolution Incorporates Gay into “Other” Today’s resolution notes that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights affirms that everyone is equal and entitled to the same rights and freedoms, regardless of their race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. (As noted above sexual orientation is not specifically identified but is presumed to fall into the category of “other” as basis for violative behavior. Further, around 70 countries still criminalize gay behavior and/or status). Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity The text said the Council will convene a future panel discussion based on the facts contained in the study and have “constructive, informed and transparent dialogue on the issue of discriminatory laws and practices and acts of violence against individuals based on their sexual orientation and gender identity.” Related Reports including – “Homophobia International Day Against” - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/movie/homophobia-international-day-againstun/26970 By Ambassador Muhamed Sacirbey Facebook – Become a Fan at “Diplomatically Incorrect” Twitter – Follow us – DiplomaticallyX