Tillerson Says Around the World Attacks on Transgender People Often ‘Are Perpetrated by Government Officials, Undermining the Rule of Law’
U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has issued a statement acknowledging Monday as the Transgender Day of Remembrance. The statement itself is noticeably thin, at least in comparison to those issued by his immediate predecessor, Secretary of State John Kerry.Â
“Transgender individuals and their advocates, along with lesbian, gay, bisexual and intersex persons, are facing increasing physical attacks and arbitrary arrests in many parts of the world,” Tillerson’s statement reads. “Often these attacks are perpetrated by government officials, undermining the rule of law.”
Under President Donald Trump, Education Secretary Betsy DeVos and Attorney General Jeff Sessions rescinded an Obama-era guidance letter detailing how schools can help ensure the civil rights of transgender students are protected. DeVos has also rescinded guidance or other documents supporting disabled children, and most recently, minority children.
“Transgender persons should not be subjected to violence or discrimination, and the human rights they share with all persons should be respected,” Tillerson added.
“On this Transgender Day of Remembrance, the United States remains committed to advancing the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all persons. These principles are inherent in our own Constitution and drive the diplomacy of the United States,” Tillerson concluded.Â
Aside from issuing a statement in support of LGBT Pride Month, which President Donald Trump did not, Tillerson’s record on LGBT issues is extremely poor.
In June Tillerson admitted he had not even discussed Chechnya’s anti-gay torture and concentration camps with Russia. His State Dept. in May was denying visas to Chechen gay men fleeing persecution.
In 2016, Secretary of State John Kerry issued this statement:
On Transgender Day of Remembrance, the United States solemnly honors the memory of the many transgender individuals who lost their lives to senseless acts of violence.
Transgender persons around the world are targeted by rising levels of violence fueled by hatred and bigotry. This is a global challenge and we all must do more to protect transgender persons on the basis of equality and dignity.
In the United States, our Constitution enshrines freedoms of peaceful assembly, speech and association, and it affirms that everyone has equal protection under the law. Around the world human rights and fundamental freedoms are recognized in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which states that every person is born free and equal in dignity and rights. Every person includes transgender women, transgender men, and other individuals who face marginalization on account of their gender expression or gender identity.
Today we stand in solidarity with the incredible resilience and leadership of the transgender community in responding to stigma and marginalization. Transgender persons deepen our diversity, broaden our communities, and strengthen the values we cherish. When all persons reach their full human potential, free from fear, intimidation, and violence, nations become more just, secure and prosperous.
The United States remains committed to advance the human rights of all persons, including transgender persons. On this Transgender Day of Remembrance, we reaffirm equality for all as part of our core constitutional principles and as a human rights priority of U.S. diplomacy.
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