Human Rights Groups Visit White House, Petition For LGBT State Dept. Rights Envoy
15 groups have signed onto a letter that was presented today to the White House calling for an envoy for LGBT rights to be based out of the U.S. State Department.
Members of the American Jewish World Service (AJWS), Amnesty International USA, Council for Global Equality, Human Rights Campaign (HRC), Human Rights First, National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR), and the National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE) visited the White House Tuesday to hand-deliver a formal letter requesting a Special Envoy for the human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender peoples to be based in the U.S. Department of State.
“Appointing a Special Envoy for LGBT human rights would build on your Administration’s progress for LGBT human rights globally by elevating these critical issues within U.S. policy and fulfilling an essential leadership, coordination, and diplomatic role,†the letter, addressed to President Barack Obama reads.
“The Special Envoy would represent the United States internationally on LGBT human rights matters, coordinate government efforts regarding the advancement of human rights for LGBT people, and support the integration of human rights for LGBT people throughout U.S. foreign policy. Critically, the Special Envoy would engage with senior officials around the world, conveying U.S. support for LGBT rights and, where appropriate, working with them to improve laws and policies that impact the lives of LGBT people.â€
Also signing the letter were the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC), The Center for Health and Gender Equity, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF), Metropolitan Community Churches (MCC), Immigration Equality, Global Justice Institute, Global Rights, and the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice & Human Rights.
“As the scourge of state-sanctioned discrimination and violence against LGBT people spreads, it is imperative that the United States take a strong diplomatic stand in demanding the equal enforcement of human rights,†Ruth Messinger, president of AJWS, said, according to a statement. “We appreciate the willingness of the White House to meet with us and our allies during what is becoming an increasingly dangerous time for LGBT people across the globe.â€Â
From 1990-1997 Messinger was the Borough President of Manhattan.
In June, U.S. Senator Edward Markey (D-MA) introduced S.2472, a bill calling for the position of special envoy for LGBT rights to be created.
Â
Images via Facebook
Hat tip: Pridesource
Enjoy this piece?
… then let us make a small request. The New Civil Rights Movement depends on readers like you to meet our ongoing expenses and continue producing quality progressive journalism. Three Silicon Valley giants consume 70 percent of all online advertising dollars, so we need your help to continue doing what we do.
NCRM is independent. You won’t find mainstream media bias here. From unflinching coverage of religious extremism, to spotlighting efforts to roll back our rights, NCRM continues to speak truth to power. America needs independent voices like NCRM to be sure no one is forgotten.
Every reader contribution, whatever the amount, makes a tremendous difference. Help ensure NCRM remains independent long into the future. Support progressive journalism with a one-time contribution to NCRM, or click here to become a subscriber. Thank you. Click here to donate by check.