The General Assembly of the Organization of American States on June 3 unanimously adopted a resolution condemning human rights violations based on sexual orientation and gender identity, reports the international advocacy organization, Human Rights Watch. Now, the body, which consists of 35 member nations from the Western Hemisphere, must act to ensure that the resolution is implemented in their countries through concrete changes in law and policy.
The “Resolution on Human Rights, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity,” sponsored by Brazil, was adopted with the support of 34 countries during the 38th session of the OAS General Assembly in Colombia. It affirms the importance of principals that incorporate sexual identity and gender identity into international law on the basis of nondiscrimination and universality.
Currently, at least 10 OAS countries have state or national laws that protect all people regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity. Chile, Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina are discussing laws at the national level that include sexual orientation and national laws as protected categories.
During the General Assembly, Latin American LGBT activists met with member countries to highlight the problem of harassment and violence, particularly as it affects the youngest members of the LGBT community in Latin America.
What Do You Think?