16 Feb 2012

Ambassador Kelly at OSCE on LGBT Legislation in Russia

Ambassador Ian Kelly, U.S. representative to the Permanent Council of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, expresses concern about proposed legislation in Russia that would restrict freedoms of expression and assembly for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals.

United States Mission to the OSCE
Statement on LGBT Legislation in the Russian Federation
As delivered by Ambassador Ian Kelly
to the Permanent Council, Vienna
February 16, 2012

We remain concerned by proposed local legislation in Russia that would severely restrict freedoms of expression and assembly for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals, and indeed all Russians. As Secretary Clinton has said, gay rights are human rights and human rights are gay rights.

We have called on officials all over the world, including in Russia, to safeguard these freedoms, and to foster an environment which promotes respect for the rights of all citizens.

We have consulted with our partners in the OSCE region on this issue. They share our concerns and are also engaging Russian officials on this.

The United States places great importance on combating discrimination and violence against LGBT persons and all minority groups.

Thank you Mr. Chairman.

Washington Updated:

2012-02-16 15:9:32 GMT

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Distributed by the Embassy of the United States of America, Brussels, Belgium. Web sites: http://belgium.usembassy.gov; http://www.uspolicy.be.