Statement by Ambassador Susan E. Rice, U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations, on the Joint Statement on the Rights of LGBT Persons at the Human Rights Council, March 24, 2011

Statement by Ambassador Susan E. Rice, U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations, on the Joint Statement on the Rights of LGBT Persons at the Human Rights Council, March 24, 2011

As the United States continues our important work in the Human Rights Council this week, we are proud to recognize a historic statement, signed by a record 85 nations, reaffirming the rights of all people – regardless of who they are and whom they love. More nations than ever believe that freedom from violence based on sexual orientation and gender identity must end. The United States is proud to lend our strong support to this growing consensus and to work towards a world in which all gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender individuals can live free from fear of persecution, discrimination, or assault.

We will continue to stand firm in the Human Rights Council on behalf of all those who are at risk of violence and discrimination. And we will continue to work to ensure that rights that are universally held are universally protected.