The Human Rights Campaign praised the State Department for
releasing a written statement condemning the United Arab Emirates'
arrest of two dozen individuals at a purported gay wedding and threats
of forced psychological and hormonal treatment, according to news
reports.
"The State Department's condemnation of these arrests and threats is an
important component of resolving this atrocious episode," said Human
Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. "Gay, lesbian, bisexual and
transgender people are in every country in this world and should be
afforded the same dignity and respect that every human being deserves.
The United States should support a resolution in front of the United
Nations Commission on Human Rights acknowledging that sexual orientation
and gender identity protections are part of internationally-recognized
human rights standards. Unfortunately, our government has not yet
supported such a move."
The State Department statement, which was released Nov. 28, called on
"the government of the United Arab Emirates to immediately stop any
ordered hormone and psychological treatment and to comply with the
standards of international law." The statement can be found at
http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2005/57390.htm .
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