The Obama administration has backed an LGBT rights initiative at the United Nations Human Rights Council. Over 80 countries (including the UK) signed a non-binding resolution urging the body to end homophobic and transphobic violence.

“Today, 85 countries from every region of the world joined together in a historic moment to state clearly that human rights apply to everyone, no matter who they are or whom they love,” said US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. “Gay rights are human rights and human rights are gay rights,” she added.

The statement, which urges the Human Rights Council “play its part” in promoting LGBT rights, and calls upon states to “take steps to end acts of violence, criminal sanctions and related human rights violations committed against individuals because of their sexual orientation or gender identity,” is broadly symbolic. It may, however, lead to a formal resolution later this year.

US involvement in this issue marks a new, LGBT-friendly approach to the country’s foreign policy that contrasts heavily with the Bush era. An announcement from the White House stated that: “the president is proud of the work we have done to build international consensus on this critical issue and is committed to continuing our determined efforts to advance the human rights of all people”.

The White House also declared Obama’s intention to work with Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff in order to “promote respect” for LGBT people within the Organization of American States.

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