UN condemnation of Orlando attacks faces hurdles

The United States on Monday faced reservations from Russia and Egypt over a proposed Security Council condemnation of the Orlando attacks because it included language on targeting gays, diplomats said.

The draft statement featured a reference to "sexual orientation" which diplomats from the two countries argued was not in line with standard UN language.

"After yesterday's attack, I hope the Security Council will be able to answer properly," said French Ambassador Francois Delattre, who holds the council's presidency this month.

Delattre said he hoped there would be a statement condemning "in appropriate terms" the horrific assault on a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida, that killed 49 people.

US Deputy Ambassador David Pressman separately took a swipe at the United Nations for failing to do enough to uphold the rights of sexual minorities.

Pressman said the world body must do more than contribute condolences and condemnation when gays and lesbians are targeted in attacks.

"Let us be equally united around the basic premise of upholding the universal dignity of all persons regardless of who they love, not just around condemning the terrorists who kill them," Pressman told the General Assembly.

The diplomat deplored that the annual renewal of a resolution on protecting the right to life leads to a "pitched fight over whether it is appropriate to include sexual orientation in that protection."

"Dignity should not be so hard to protect.  Here, it too often is," said Pressman.

The General Assembly last month denied accreditation to 22 groups, mostly gay rights activists, to take part in a conference on ending the AIDS pandemic after Russia, Muslim countries, Cameroon and Tanzania blocked it.

Homosexuality is illegal in some 77 countries worldwide; five countries execute those convicted.

Source: AFP