Secretary of State Clinton’s Remarks on LGBT Rights in Recognition of International Human Rights Day (Updated 12/8/11)

On December 6, 2011, Secretary Clinton delivered remarks in recognition of International Human Rights Day, at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland. In the speech, she articulated the way that the protection of human rights for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) people fits into the broader comprehensive human rights policy of the U.S. She also invited both those who have been longstanding defenders of the human rights of LGBT people, as well as those who have had a more difficult time reconciling those commitments with other personal beliefs or political beliefs or religious beliefs, into a conversation to try to make progress together.

On December 6, 2011, the While House issued a Presidential Memorandum on international initiatives to advance the human rights of LGBT persons. By this memorandum, President Obama directed all agencies engaged abroad to ensure that U.S. diplomacy and foreign assistance promote and protect the human rights of LGBT persons.