President Barack Obama declared on
Wednesday that the world's nations must stand up for the rights of
gay people.
Obama made his comments in an address
before world leaders at the United Nations General Assembly in New
York.
“[T]o make sure our societies reach
their potential, we must allow our citizens to reach theirs,” Obama
said. “No country can afford the cancer of corruption. Together,
we must harness the power of open societies and open economies. That
is why we have partnered with countries from across the globe to
launch a new partnership on Open Government that helps ensure
accountability and empower their citizens. No country should deny
people their rights because of who they love, which is why we must
stand up for the rights of gays and lesbians everywhere. And no
country can realize its potential if half its population cannot reach
theirs. This week, the United States signed a new Declaration on
Women’s Participation. Next year, we should each announce the
steps we are taking to break down economic and political barriers
that stand in the way of women and girls. That is what our
commitment to human progress demands.”
Obama did not specifically mention
which rights he was alluding to, but gay activists have urged the
president to endorse
gay marriage ahead of next year's general election. The
president's remarks come a day after the
military officially ended “Don't Ask, Don't Tell,” the policy
that banned gay and bisexual troops from serving openly.