The Kaleidoscope Trust has called on David Cameron to back a new
global initiative against LGBT human rights abusers launched by
U.S. President Obama, yesterday.
The U.S. government strategy to protect the rights of gay and
lesbian people around the world and combat the criminalisation of
homosexuality was set out in a major speech by Secretary of State,
Hillary Clinton, at the United Nations in Geneva.
Clinton announced a new Global Equality Fund and urged other
countries to support it.
The Kaleidoscope Trust was among the international human rights
organisations invited to meet Clinton. It has welcomed the speech
as a significant step forward in the global campaign to assert
that, in her words, "it should never be a crime to be gay."
Speaking in Geneva, Lance Price, Director of the Kaleidoscope
Trust, said: "The Obama administration has set a new benchmark for
governments in supporting human rights for all. David Cameron must
now demonstrate his commitment to defending LGBT rights around the
world by throwing Britain's weight and influence behind this
campaign.
"For the first time America now has a government strategy
dedicated to combating human rights abuses against LGBT people
abroad backed by a new Global Equality Fund. David Cameron has
spoken up in defence of equality for gay and lesbian people at home
and abroad, but Britain lags behind when it comes to action and
practical support.
"The Prime Minister said he wants Britain to be a global beacon
for reform of gay and lesbian rights. We strongly applaud that. Now
is the time for him to demonstrate that commitment in practise by
strengthening the government's response in line with that of the
United Sates."
