Arcigay participated today in a web chat on US foreign policy and gay rights with the Under Secretary of the Department of State for Democracy, Rights and Labor, Daniel Baer.
Baer reiterated the United States' concrete commitment to policies of inclusion and the fight against discrimination specifically directed at gay, lesbian, and transgender individuals within the U.S. government. "After the abolition of 'don't ask, don't tell,'" the undersecretary explained, "our administration will implement many other changes, starting with those affecting LGBT people who work in our public offices and their peers.".
The US is still "engaging in diplomatic efforts with partners around the world, engaging in conversations with various governments, and actively participating at the UN to support" the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) cause. Among these initiatives is "simply supporting those who are already fighting internally for the gay cause. Real change must come from within each country. We can offer these willing individuals technical assistance.".
Arcigay intervened directly during the web chat and pressed the American government with a question that referenced Minister Fornero's statement today, namely, "My full commitment also towards homosexuals and transgender people.".
State Department Under Secretary for Democracy, Rights, and Labor Daniel Baer expressed appreciation for “the minister’s statement having a strong impact, like Clinton’s: when ministers speak, people listen, this statement alone is a strong sign.”.
Arcigay then asked what policies the US intends to adopt regarding the proposed global decriminalization of homosexuality, which the Vatican strongly opposes. For Baer, "promoting gay rights worldwide means promoting human rights," and the US wholeheartedly supports the initiative to decriminalize homosexuality at the United Nations.
The video of the event will follow shortly on the Arcigay website.
