Conservatives have told gays that even if life in America is not ideal, things could be much worse. And that's true. Just look at what happened in
Iran last year (Warning: graphic photos). Young men given the death penalty because of homosexuality. I have often heard that "left" groups do not care about the lives of gays in Iran, although I don't remember if the Secretary of State ever commented on that matter either.
If so many on the right are concerned about "Axis of Evil" Iran, then can they please explain this recent UN vote?
The United States joined with four of the world's most repressive regimes to reject an application by two international LGBT groups seeking to join a UN agency that advises the world body on economics and social issues.
The application by the International Lesbian and Gay Association and the Danish Association of Gays and Lesbians was dismissed without a hearing.
The groups had sought inclusion on the United Nations Economic and Social Council, a think tank made up of non governmental agencies from around the world.
The United States voted with Iran, Zimbabwe, China, Cameroon against granting a hearing for the application.
ECOSOC status allows NGOs to attend UN meetings and speak in their own name. The Council already has participation from labor and social rights groups.
So Iran recently elected a President who is, to put it mildly, very extreme. The United States government opposes his regime and what he stands for. Yet we're willing to side with this regime as long as it means the gays are kept in their place?
What a great message to send to the world. I think Matt Foreman says it best:
"It is an absolute outrage that the United States has chosen to align itself with tyrants -- all in a sickening effort to smother the voices of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people around the world," said Matt Foreman, executive director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force.
"Apparently Iran, which President Bush has deemed part of the 'Axis of Evil,' is a suitable partner when it comes to discriminating against gay people,"