US president, Joe Biden has reportedly issued a threat to withdraw financial aid and introduce visa ban on countries that are yet to make laws to accommodate Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer and Intersex (LGBTQI) people.
The recent development could force Ghana, Nigeria, Uganda and other anti-homophobic countries to ratify a law that recognises the rights of homosexuals.
Joe Biden is said to have issued a presidential memorandum to expand the protection of the rights of LGBTQI people worldwide saying:
‘When foreign governments move to restrict the rights of LGBTQI+ persons or fail to enforce legal protections in place, thereby contributing to a climate of intolerance, agencies engaged abroad shall consider appropriate responses, including using the full range of diplomatic and assistance tools and, as appropriate, financial sanctions, visa restrictions, and other actions.
‘All human beings should be treated with respect and dignity and should be able to live without fear no matter who they are or whom they love.
‘The United States belongs at the forefront of this struggle – speaking out and standing strong for our most dearly held values.’
The said memo also directed US agencies working in foreign countries to work harder to combat the criminalisation by foreign governments of LGBTQ status or conduct.
It further directed the State Department to include anti-LGBTQ violence, discrimination, and laws in its annual human rights report.
President Biden’ s memo also called for increased efforts to ensure that LGBTQ asylum seekers have equal access to protection, expanded training for US federal personnel, and potential increased use of priority referrals to expedite resettlement of vulnerable people.
It also instructed agencies to consider appropriate responses, including the full range of diplomatic tools, and potentially financial sanctions and visa restrictions, when foreign governments restrict the rights of LGBTQ people.
SOURCE: Kasatintin.com
What’s your reaction to this post?
