Republicans furious as Obama promotes gay rights worldwide

THE OBAMA administration has made its strongest statement yet in support of gay rights around the world. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton told the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva yesterday: "It should never be a crime to be gay", and called the fight against discrimination "one of the remaining human rights challenges of our time".
 
Clinton's audience included representatives of several countries where homosexuality is illegal. According to the New York Times, aides were so worried about the audience reaction that they "did not advertise the theme of her remarks" in advance. However, there were no walkouts and Clinton left the stage to applause.
 
The Secretary of State said the policy was building on an earlier memorandum from President Obama in which he expressed deep concern over violence and discrimination against homosexuals in some parts of the world and pledged to deliver a "swift and meaningful response to serious incidents that threaten [their] human rights".
 
Clinton and Obama are not, however, singing from the exact same hymn sheet. While Clinton said there would be "no cutting or tying" of foreign aid to human rights records, Obama said the administration would "ensure that US foreign assistance promotes and protects the human rights [of gay people]", as the British government has also advocated.
 
The initiative could set the US on a collision course with key allies such as Saudi Arabia, where homosexuality can be punishable by death.
 
It has also inflamed conservatives in the US. Republican Presidential Candidate Rick Perry said the statements represented "war on traditional American values" and "war on people of faith". Perry accused the Obama administration of "mistaking America's tolerance for different lifestyles with an endorsement of those lifestyles".
 
But the administration appears set on the course of supporting gay rights, following its decision to repeal the 'don't ask don't tell' policy in September, allowing homosexuals to serve openly in the military. It has also increased funding for anti-discrimination groups.
 
The Atlantic Wire believes Obama's support for gay rights is a "campaign move". The President established fairness and equality as major themes of his re-election bid in a Kansas speech last night. ·