From the repeal of "Don't Ask-Don't Tell," a policy which had banned gays and lesbians from serving openly in the U. S. military, to winning strategic battles in gaining civil unions and full marriage equality for same-sex couples in several states, victories in a significant series of elective offices across the country, 2011 ended on an upbeat note for the nation's LGBTQ community.

Following are LGBTQ Nation's top five picks as the most significant developments of the year.

New York state legalizes same-sex marriage

In an historic late night vote on Friday, June 24 — the last vote of the legislative session, after years of failed efforts to align votes in both Assembly and the Senate, and on the eve of New York City pride — the New York state Senate approved the Marriage Equality Act, granting same-sex couples the right to marry.

Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who championed the bill and listed marriage equality as among his top three legislative priorities for the year, called the vote "a beacon of social justice," and signed the bill into law just before midnight that same night. The Empire State would become the sixth and most populous U.S. state to-date, to allow gays and lesbians to wed.

Evan Wolfson, founder and President of the advocacy group Freedom to Marry, called the vote "without a doubt a watershed moment for our country and our campaign," and said that "together, we are changing hearts and minds and building the kind of successful campaign it will take to win marriage nationwide."

“New York has finally torn down the barrier that has prevented same-sex couples from exercising the freedom to marry and from receiving the fundamental protections that so many couples and families take for granted,” said Cuomo, in a statement issued as he signed the historic bill into law.

Just 30 days later, in the early morning hours of Sunday, July 24, wedding bells rang for same-sex couples across the state.

In Niagara Falls, against a backdrop of rainbow illuminated cascades, Kitty Lambert and Cheryle Rudd were among the first couples in the state to exchange vows just after midnight. The women, who have five children and 12 grandchildren between them, have been together 12 years.

‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ comes to an end

The United States Armed Forces on Tuesday, Sept. 20, officially — and for the first time in its history — welcomed openly gay and lesbian service members into its ranks.

"As of today, patriotic Americans in uniform will no longer have to lie about who they are in order to serve the country they love," said President Barack Obama. "As of today, our armed forces will no longer lose the extraordinary skills and combat experience of so many gay and lesbian service members. And today, as Commander in Chief, I want those who were discharged under this law to know that your country deeply values your service."

With that, the 17-year-old ban on gays and lesbians serving openly in the military -- a policy known as “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” -- was repealed.

Army Veteran and SLDN Executive Director Aubrey Sarvis, an Army Veteran and Executive Director of Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN), said the repeal marked "a monumental day for our service members and our nation."

In the 17 years since “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” was enacted, more than 14,000 service members have been discharged from the military due to their sexual orientation.

With the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” the United States joined the list of more than 40 countries that allow gays to serve openly, which includes France, Germany, Spain and the United Kingdom.

Justice Department will not defend Section 3 of DOMA

The Obama administration made a blockbuster announcement on Wednesday, Feb. 23, saying it has concluded that one part of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) will not be able to pass constitutional muster in the 2nd Circuit and that DOJ would not defend that part of the law in two pending cases in that circuit.

It was a dramatic, unexpected, and significant move by the Obama administration and one that would trigger maneuvers by DOMA supporters to appoint an intervenor to defend the law. But beyond the eventual legal consequences of the announcement, the political impact was characterized by most LGBT leaders as historic and monumental.

“This is a monumental turning point in the history of the quest for equality for lesbian, gay and bisexual people,” said Jon Davidson, legal director for Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund.

NCLR Executive Director Kate Kendell put it even more strongly.

“The President’s leadership on this issue has forever changed the landscape for LGBT people in this country,” said Kendell. “For the first time, the President and the Department of Justice have recognized that laws that harm same-sex couples cannot be justified. This is the beginning of the end, not just for the mean-spirited and indefensible Defense of Marriage Act, but for the entire panoply of laws that discriminate against same-sex couples.”

California governor signs landmark bill that would require teaching of LGBT history

California’s Gov. Jerry Brown on Thursday, July 14, signed into law landmark legislation that would require the historical contributions of gay, lesbian and transgender Americans to be included in history lessons and classroom textbooks.

The bill — known as the FAIR (Fair, Accurate, Inclusive and Respectful) Education Act — would would bring classroom instruction into alignment with existing non-discrimination laws in California and would add LGBT to the existing list of underrepresented cultural and ethnic groups, which are covered by current law related to inclusion in textbooks and other instructional materials.

“History should be honest," Brown said. “This bill revises existing laws that prohibit discrimination in education and ensures that the important contributions of Americans from all backgrounds and walks of life are included in our history books.”

The new law will require the California Board of Education and local school districts to adopt textbooks and other teaching materials that cover the contributions and roles of sexual minorities, as early as the 2013-2014 school year.

The legislation is expected to have impact beyond California’s borders. Since the state is a major purchaser of educational textbooks, national book publishers often print books tailored for California curriculum that other states utilize.

Obama sets new course for LGBT rights in U.S. foreign policy

President Barack Obama on Tuesday, Dec. 6, directed that the federal government and all agencies engaged abroad to ensure that U.S. diplomacy and foreign assistance promote and protect the human rights of LGBT persons globally.

In a memorandum to all federal agencies and executive department heads, the President wrote, “The struggle to end discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) persons is a global challenge, and one that is central to the United States commitment to promoting human rights.”

“I am deeply concerned by the violence and discrimination targeting LGBT persons around the world — whether it is passing laws that criminalize LGBT status, beating citizens simply for joining peaceful LGBT pride celebrations, or killing men, women, and children for their perceived sexual orientation.

[...]

“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.”

The President’s memo detailed six major points in the administration’s new comprehensive strategy to combat LGBT human rights abuses abroad, and in a major policy speech delivered that same day to members of the U.S. mission to the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called LGBT people the "invisible minority."

"They are arrested, beaten, terrorized, even executed. Many are treated with contempt and violence by their fellow citizens while authorities empowered to protect them look the other way — or too often, even join in the abuse.

“They are denied opportunities to work and learn, driven from their homes and countries and forced to suppress or deny who they are to protect themselves from harm. I am talking about gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people: human beings born free and given, bestowed equality and dignity who have a right to claim that, which is now one of the remaining human rights challenges of our time.”

"Gay rights are human rights, and human rights are gay rights," siad Clinton, echoing the President's directive.

The secretary of state certainly stole the spotlight on LGBT issues when she gave a high-profile speech in Geneva earlier this month calling for an end to anti-gay abuses overseas and emphasizing her previously stated belief that gay rights are human rights and human rights are gay rights.

Hillary Clinton

“In our lifetimes, attitudes toward gay people in many places have been transformed,” Clinton said. “Many people, including myself, have experienced a deepening of our own convictions on this topic over the years, as we have devoted more thought to it, engaged in dialogues and debates, and established personal and professional relationships with people who are gay.”

Clinton had a strong LGBT following in 2008 when she was competing against Obama for the Democratic nomination for president. There were many high-profile LGBT Clintonistas, although many of them became Obama supporters after he won the Democratic mantle.

Former members of Clinton’s 2008 LGBT steering committee praised her speech in Geneva, but noted that it took place as part of a coordinated effort under the Obama administration.

Elizabeth Birch, former executive director of the Human Rights Campaign and a Clinton backer in 2008, said the Clinton speech was “bold and historic,” but wouldn’t have taken place if President Obama didn’t want it to happen.

“It was as deeply thoughtful and intelligent as Secretary Clinton herself,” Birch said. “But we all know that the secretary of state serves the president and our nation. This speech took place because this administration — including Secretary Clinton — wanted it to take place.”

Peter Rosenstein, a gay D.C. Democratic activist and 2008 Clinton delegate, noted Clinton’s speech followed Obama’s speech at the United Nations in which he became the first sitting president to mention gay rights in a speech before the full U.N. General Assembly.

“I think Hillary made a brilliant, heartfelt speech on LGBT rights but let us not forget that President Obama spoke out first at the United Nations on the need to protect gay and lesbian people around the world,” Rosenstein said.

But questions linger among some Clinton supporters over what progress the LGBT community would have seen if she had won the presidency.

Clinton’s LGBT advocacy in her role as secretary of state has been aggressive. Early on during the administration, Clinton instituted a change to offer equal benefits to same-sex partners of Foreign Service officers.

The change allowed same-sex partners to have access to diplomatic passports, use of medical facilities at posts overseas, medical and other emergency evacuation privileges, compensation for transportation between posts and training in security and languages.

The Obama administration has no seen no shortage of major advancements for the LGBT community. Notable among them is passage of hate crimes protection legislation, repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and the discontinuation of the defense of the Defense of Marriage Act in court.

Clo Ewing, an Obama campaign spokesperson, touted the president’s record in response to an inquiry on whether a President Clinton would have accomplished more than President Obama.

“President Obama’s administration has done more to advance LGBT equality than any other, accomplishing the repeal of ‘Don’t Ask Don’t Tell,’ signing the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crime Prevention Act into law and ending discrimination based on gender identity in the federal government,” Ewing said. “And if he’s reelected, that progress will continue.”

Still, many LGBT advocates are frustrated that Obama has yet to come out in support of same-sex marriage. Obama has said he could “evolve” to support marriage rights, but more than a year has passed since he made that statement and he has yet to do so.

The Obama administration is announcing a wide-ranging effort to use U.S. foreign aid to promote rights for gays and lesbians abroad, including combating attempts by foreign governments to criminalize homosexuality.

In a memorandum issued Tuesday, President Barack Obama directed U.S. agencies working abroad, including the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development, to use foreign aid to assist gays and lesbians who are facing human rights violations. And he ordered U.S. agencies to protect vulnerable gay and lesbian refugees and asylum seekers.

Also, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton made a monumental speech in Geneva in which she basically broke it all down to the simple fact that gays rights are human rights.

The Obama Administration was no doubt spurred by acts of LGBT persecution in such places as Nigeria, Uganda, Russia, and South Africa. In Nigeria, Uganda, and Russia, the legislature is considering laws which would imprison LGBTs and those who support them. In South Africa is a practice called "corrective rape" in which a lesbian would be sexually assaulted in hopes of turning her heterosexual.

Naturally, religious right groups and some of those on the right in general aren't happy with the Obama Administration over this new policy or Clinton's speech.

Amidst the usual whinings about the so-called radical gay agenda, two statements stand out.

Rick Perry

“But there is a troubling trend here beyond the national security nonsense inherent in this silly idea. This is just the most recent example of an administration at war with people of faith in this country. Investing tax dollars promoting a lifestyle many Americas of faith find so deeply objectionable is wrong.

“President Obama has again mistaken America’s tolerance for different lifestyles with an endorsement of those lifestyles. I will not make that mistake.”

Aside from the usual offensive "real Americans should tolerate gays like one tolerates a dog which wets on the rug" semantics coming Perry is the sad fact that he totally omitted the reason why the Obama policy is necessary, i.e. the persecution of the gay community in other countries.

Bear in mind that this is the same guy who led a prayer rally earlier this year while claiming that America needs to call upon Jesus to save the country from calamities.

Apparently Perry seems to have overlooked the statement by Jesus which said:

For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’

Matt Barber

And then there is this statement by Matt Barber of the Liberty Counsel:

It is "frankly offensive" . . . that President Obama feels "compelled to export American culture's decline in morality, and export that immorality to other nations that are trying to adhere to traditional principles relative to human sexuality."

So in Barber's world, is it a traditional principle to imprison a man simply because he is gay and his mother because she didn't report him as being gay? Is it a moral thing to beat a woman within an inch of her life and violently rape her because she is a lesbian?

Barber statement is a cruel irony when one takes into account that earlier this morning, the Liberty Counsel was whining about a Macy's employee who was fired for harassing a transgender customer in violation of the store's policy.

It's a strange world we live in when someone harassing a customer at a department store can be seen as a Christian martyr, but speaking out against injustice is seen as a evil plot to destroy values.

It's a sad statement on what Christianity has become in America.

And with all of the statements and vigorous adjectives thrown out, not one of these so-called upstanding morality groups or people has said one word about the true victims - the LGBTs worldwide who are being victimized, who are being chased out of their homes and beaten, who are being persecuted and raped, who are being brutally murdered and disposed of in humiliating and devaluing ways.

Oh sure, some of those folks practically break their backs in their eagerness to rise and talk about the "evils of gay marriage." They will clap their hands sore when some well-dressed charlatan gets them together in an expensive ballroom to wax about how they are being "stomped out" by the radical progressives. And they will practically raise blisters on their feet with their desires to march against their gay and lesbian neighbors being afforded the same protections under the law.

But what about true cases of persecution? True cases of people being forced out of their homes by an evil agenda of intolerance? True incidents of mothers losing their sons, fathers losing their daughters, and children losing their parents to hate wrapped up in a religious cloth?

Where are these Christians then?

The next time any of these folks get together in one of their silly rallies whining about persecution and godless homosexuals, I don't think they should expect Jesus to be there.

He will be in Nigeria. He will be in Uganda. He will be in South Africa. And He will be in Russia.

About the Author:

“I want to talk about the work we have left to do to protect one group of people whose human rights are still denied in too many parts of the world today,” said Clinton to a packed auditorium of human rights activists who gathered in Geneva for International Human Rights Day.

“I am talking about gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people, human beings born free and given bestowed equality and dignity, who have a right to claim that, which is now one of the remaining human rights challenges of our time.”

The list of countries that recently declared war on sexual minorities include: Russia, Nigeria, Cameroon, Uganda, Iran, and Zimbabwe.

For the contemptible despots who run these underachieving nations, fomenting homophobia makes political sense. By turning homosexuals into bogeymen these rulers can conceal their corruption and appear moral through the blessings of craven clergy.

If the worldwide attacks on LGBT people seem deliberate and coordinated, it is because they very well may be.

In author Jeff Sharlet’s book, The Family, he reveals that ambitious American evangelicals are working to surround the United States, Canada, and Western Europe with fundamentalist regimes -- using homosexuality as a key wedge issue to gain power.

Researchers Rachel Tabachnick and Bruce Wilson have also documented that a radical and sprawling evangelical group, The New Apostolic Reformation, has infiltrated many countries and exported anti-LGBT hate.

It has been greatly disturbing to witness the war on LGBT people unfolding in recent weeks. I had privately fretted that these AHEM’s (American Hate Exporting Movements) were further along in their dubious and dangerous designs than people realized.

I was also concerned that the American government would back off challenging international homophobia in an election year. After all, the Obama administration surely did not want to be browbeaten as anti-faith by phony martyrs and their false claims of religious discrimination.

However, something drastic needed to happen to turn back the tide of violence and discrimination that plagued these “loser nations.” The U.S. had to make it crystal clear that those exporting hate were not representing our government.

Instead, these zealots were operating a shadow foreign policy that undermined America’s interests.

President Barack Obama boldly stepped into this bloody vacuum and provided desperately needed leadership and moral clarity. He issued an incredible memorandum directing all agencies to “promote and protect the human rights of LGBT persons.”

This was followed by Clinton’s moving speech that was as notable for its directness, as it was for its depth.

Usually in such addresses we get diplomatic drivel that satisfies no one and accomplishes little. But today’s actions by the administration and Clinton’s speech were different. The words were spoken with true vision and encrusted in values. There was clarity and passion, and no one was left wondering where our country stood on the rights of LGBT people.

This was one of those times where our nation demonstrated true international leadership and made me incredibly proud to be an American. It was stirring to witness our country act decisively as force for moral good. There was no patronizing that relegated the LGBT community to the role of liberalism’s unwanted stepchild. There were no carefully crafted and focus grouped code words that sugarcoated the abuses – just the honest truth spoken from the heart.

“It is a violation of human rights when people are beaten or killed because of their sexual orientation, or because they do not conform to cultural norms about how men and women should look or behave,” said Clinton in her speech.

“It is a violation of human rights when governments declare it illegal to be gay, or allow those who harm gay people to go unpunished.”

The beauty of Clinton’s talk was that it was highly educational. It forcefully challenged the ignorant stereotypes and vicious lies disseminated by despots and their American evangelical patrons.

“Being gay is not a Western invention; it is a human reality,” Clinton said. “And protecting the human rights of all people, gay or straight, is not something that only Western governments do.”

Needless to say, the leaders of AHEM’s and anti-LGBT politicians went nuts. “This is just the most recent example of an administration at war with people of faith in this country,” said failing presidential candidate Rick Perry, who shocked people by putting a complete sentence together. Perry conveniently failed to mention that Clinton and Obama are both people of deep faith.

The stunning events in Geneva mark the moment Barack Obama secured a national LGBT vote for his 2012 re-election campaign. Today we felt hope – but more importantly, we witnessed monumental change.

About the Author:

In an historic policy speech delivered Tuesday, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called for LGBT human rights protections around the globe.

Clinton outlined several steps the United States government will take to advance equal treatment of LGBT people under the law, and outlined in a Presidential memo that was released today by the White House.

“Today, I want to talk about the work we have left to do to protect one group of people who’s human rights are still denied in too many parts of the world today,” Clinton said.

“In many ways, they are an invisible minority. They are arrested, beaten, terrorized, even executed. Many are treated with contempt and violence by their fellow citizens while authorities empowered to protect them look the other way — or too often, even join in the abuse,” said Clinton.

“They are denied opportunities to work and learn, driven from their homes and countries and forced to suppress or deny who they are to protect themselves from harm. I am talking about gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people: human beings born free and given, bestowed equality and dignity who have a right to claim that, which is now one of the remaining human rights challenges of our time.”

Notably, Clinton also acknowledged the shortcomings of the United States, and said that LGBT people still remain vulnerable under U.S. state and federal laws.

Watch the full 30-minute speech here:

Clinton’s speech, delivered to members of the U.S. mission to the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, was in recognition of Human Rights Day, marking the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on Dec. 10, 1948 by the U.N. General Assembly.

WASHINGTON -- President Barack Obama on Tuesday directed that the federal government and all agencies engaged abroad to ensure that U.S. diplomacy and foreign assistance promote and protect the human rights of LGBT persons globally.

In a memorandum to all federal agencies and executive department heads, the President wrote, "The struggle to end discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) persons is a global challenge, and one that is central to the United States commitment to promoting human rights."

"I am deeply concerned by the violence and discrimination targeting LGBT persons around the world -- whether it is passing laws that criminalize LGBT status, beating citizens simply for joining peaceful LGBT pride celebrations, or killing men, women, and children for their perceived sexual orientation.

[...]

"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."

The President's memo details six major points in the administration's new comprehensive strategy to combat LGBT human rights abuses abroad:

Combating Criminalization of LGBT Status or Conduct Abroad.

Agencies engaged abroad are directed to strengthen existing efforts to effectively combat the criminalization by foreign governments of LGBT status or conduct and to expand efforts to combat discrimination, homophobia, and intolerance on the basis of LGBT status or conduct.

Protecting Vulnerable LGBT Refugees and Asylum Seekers.

Those LGBT persons who seek refuge from violence and persecution face daunting challenges. In order to improve protection for LGBT refugees and asylum seekers at all stages of displacement, the Departments of State and Homeland Security shall enhance their ongoing efforts to ensure that LGBT refugees and asylum seekers have equal access to protection and assistance, particularly in countries of first asylum.

In addition, the Departments of State, Justice, and Homeland Security shall ensure appropriate training is in place so that relevant Federal Government personnel and key partners can effectively address the protection of LGBT refugees and asylum seekers, including by providing to them adequate assistance and ensuring that the Federal Government has the ability to identify and expedite resettlement of highly vulnerable persons with urgent protection needs.

Foreign Assistance to Protect Human Rights and Advance Nondiscrimination.

Agencies involved with foreign aid, assistance, and development shall enhance their ongoing efforts to ensure regular Federal Government engagement with governments, citizens, civil society, and the private sector in order to build respect for the human rights of LGBT persons.

Swift and Meaningful U.S. Responses to Human Rights Abuses of LGBT Persons Abroad.

The Department of State shall lead a standing group, with appropriate inter-agency representation, to help ensure the Federal Government's swift and meaningful response to serious incidents that threaten the human rights of LGBT persons abroad.

Engaging International Organizations in the Fight Against LGBT Discrimination.

Multilateral fora and international organizations are key vehicles to promote respect for the human rights of LGBT persons and to bring global attention to LGBT issues.

Building on the State Department's leadership in this area, agencies engaged abroad should strengthen the work they have begun and initiate additional efforts in these multilateral fora and organizations to counter discrimination on the basis of LGBT status; broaden the number of countries willing to support and defend LGBT issues in the multilateral arena; strengthen the role of civil society advocates on behalf of LGBT issues within and through multilateral fora; and strengthen the policies and programming of multilateral institutions on LGBT issues.

Reporting on Progress.

All agencies engaged abroad shall prepare a report within 180 days of the date of this memorandum, and annually thereafter, on their progress toward advancing these initiatives. All such agencies shall submit their reports to the Department of State, which will compile a report on the Federal Government's progress in advancing these initiatives for transmittal to the President.

In a major policy speech delivered Tuesday marking the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on Dec. 10, 1948 by the U.N. General Assembly, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton echoed the president's directive:

“Today, I want to talk about the work we have left to do to protect one group of people who’s human rights are still denied in too many parts of the world today,” Clinton said.

“In many ways, they are an invisible minority. They are arrested, beaten, terrorized, even executed. Many are treated with contempt and violence by their fellow citizens while authorities empowered to protect them look the other way — or too often, even join in the abuse," said Clinton.

"They are denied opportunities to work and learn, driven from their homes and countries and forced to suppress or deny who they are to protect themselves from harm. I am talking about gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people: human beings born free and given, bestowed equality and dignity who have a right to claim that, which is now one of the remaining human rights challenges of our time.”

Clinton's speech was in recognition of Human Rights Day, delivered to members of the U. S. mission to the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland.

Ellen DeGeneres

Clinton made the announcement during a major policy speech to the National Institutes of Health on HIV-AIDS issues, and in letter to DeGeneres, Clinton wrote:

“By lending us your energy, compassion, and star power to serve as our Special Envoy for Global AIDS Awareness, your words will encourage Americans in joining you to make their voices heard in our campaign to achieve an AIDS-free generation.

The enormous platform of your television show and your social media channels will enable you to reach millions of people with the strong and hopeful message that we can win this fight.”

U. S. Ambassador Eric Goosby, the United States Global AIDS Coordinator, who leads all U.S. Government international HIV/AIDS efforts noted that, "at this historic moment in our global fight against AIDS, we are thrilled that we have someone like Ellen DeGeneres on our team to raise awareness that we are on the path to beating this devastating disease."

"We at PEPFAR (President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief) look forward to working with her to deliver a positive and hopeful message that we can work together to put an end to AIDS.”

In response, the comedian and talk show host said Tuesday:

"I’m honored to have been chosen by Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton as Special Envoy for Global AIDS awareness. The fight against AIDS is something that has always been close to my heart."

"And I’m happy that I can use my platform to educate people and spread hope. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to go look up what “envoy” means," DeGeneres said.

As a special envoy, DeGeneres will be able to utilize her celebrity status to raise awareness about the global fight against AIDS.

According to Warner Studios in Burbank who produces her daily talk show, DeGeneres reaches millions of people every day, including 8 million followers on Twitter and 5.8 million Facebook fans.

A spokesperson for the "Ellen" show told LGBTQ Nation that the Emmy award-winning entertainer is heavily involved in several humanitarian causes including prevention of bullying, animal rescue and rehabilitation, as well as raising breast cancer awareness.

DeGeneres has previously worked with the advocacy organization ONE to raise awareness about the fight against AIDS.

The resolution, which passed 23-19 with three member state's abstentions, calls for recognition that “affirms that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights and that everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms … without distinction of any kind."

This is the first time that the U.N. body has passed a resolution which focuses specifically on sexual orientation and gender identity.

A spokesperson for U.S. Secretary of State Hilary Clinton referred to the council's vote as a "historic first step."

The resolution was originally introduced by South Africa's delegation, which immediately came under intense criticism from other African countries, accusing South Africa of siding with the West over the LGBTQ equality rights issues.

The Nigerian envoy attacked South Africa saying that sponsorship of the resolution was breaking the tradition of the African continental group of nations. South Africa recently pledged to tackle an epidemic of ‘corrective rapes’ on lesbians in that country.

"It really is a key part in setting a new norm that gay rights are human rights and that that has to be accepted globally, said Suzanne Nossel, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for International Organizations, in an interview with CNN.

"It talks about the violence and discrimination that people of LGBT persuasion experience around the world," she said, "and that those issues ... need to be taken seriously."

The State Department lobbied intensively for the resolution, and Nossel said the U.S. was pleased to see African leadership, from South Africa in particular, as well as strong support from South America, Colombia and Brazil.

Clinton has made LGBTQ equality rights a primary component of the Obama Administration's human rights agenda, stating that "gay rights are human rights and human rights are gay rights."

This past March the U.N. Human Rights Council adopted a statement, supported by 85 countries, on LGBTQ rights called "Ending Violence Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity."

Friday's vote "marks a victory for defenders of human rights," said Susan Rice, the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. "It sends a clear message that abuses based on sexual orientation and gender identity must end."

Hillary Clinton

Today, May 17, is International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia, the seventh annual event to bring attention to LGBT issues in more than 50 countries.

In recognition, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton released this statement:

"In every part of the world, men and women are persecuted and attacked because of who they are or whom they love. Homophobia, transphobia and the brutal hostility associated with them are often rooted in a lack of understanding of what it actually means to be lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT).

So to combat this terrible scourge and break the cycle of fear and violence, we must work together to improve education and support those who stand up against laws that criminalize love and promote hate. As we mark the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia this May 17, let us resolve to redouble our efforts.

On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I am proud to reaffirm our support for LGBT communities at home and abroad, and to call for an end to discrimination and mistreatment of LGBT persons wherever it occurs.

Whether by supporting LGBT advocates marching in Belgrade, leading the effort at the United Nations to affirm the human rights of LGBT persons, or condemning a vile law under consideration in Uganda, we are committed to our friends and allies in every region of the world who are fighting for equality and justice.

These are not Western concepts; these are universal human rights.

Despite these gains and hard work, there is more to do to turn the tide of inequality and discrimination against the LGBT community. If you are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender, know that the United States stands with you and we are unwavering in our commitment to ending this cycle of hate."

The International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia marks the day 21 years ago when the World Health Organization excluded homosexuality from its list of officially recognized mental illnesses.

The declaration, announced at the Human Rights Council in Geneva, has the support of more than 80 countries, according to a report by the Associated Press. The document demands that countries end persecution of gay people and asks the U.N. to review how governments treat their gay citizens.

In a statement, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said "Gay rights are human rights and human rights are gay rights. We will continue to promote human rights around the world for all people who are marginalized and discriminated against because of sexual orientation or gender identity. And we will not rest until every man, woman and child is able to live up to his or her potential free from persecution or discrimination of any kind."

In opposition to the proposed declaration, The Family Research Council, an SPLC-certified hate group released a statement saying "Our global neighbors have the freedom to believe that homosexuality is wrong -- just as they have the freedom to legislate against any behavior they think is harmful to society. That freedom -- and their very sovereignty -- would be threatened by this effort."

The move represents a break on the part of the U.S. from the Bush administration, which declined to support a 2008 document written by the French government similar to the one being proposed.

The new resolution now has support from Thailand, Rwanda, El Salvador, Honduras, and the Dominican Republic, which did not support the 2008 document.

Homosexuality is still punishable as a crime in at least 85 countries, including Afghanistan, Iran, Sudan, and Ghana.

The United States led a successful effort on Tuesday to return LGBT people to the list of those whose extrajudicial executions the U.N. condemns.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said the U.S. reintroduced the language to send an unequivocal message that "No one should be killed for who they are."

In November, the United Nations General Assembly Human Rights Committee approved a proposal by several Arab and African nations to remove "sexual orientation" from a resolution condemning extrajudicial, summary and arbitrary executions.

In addition to slayings over sexual orientation, the resolution specifies many other types of violence -- killings for racial, national, ethnic, religious or linguistic reasons and killings of refugees, indigenous people and other groups.

The UN’s main assembly normally passes similar resolutions every two years, and the most recent resolution in 2008 declaration had contained an specific reference to LGBT killings.

"The United Nations General Assembly has sent a clear and resounding message that justice and human rights apply to all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation,” said Susan Rice, U.S. ambassador to the U.N.

The U.S.-backed amendment passed with 93 countries voting yes, 55 voting no and 27 abstaining.

President Obama said the vote "marks an important moment in the struggle for civil and human rights," and that the "time has come for all nations to redouble our efforts to end discrimination and violence against lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people."

"I don't know what it's like to be picked on for being gay," said Obama. "But I do know what it’s like to grow up feeling that sometimes you don’t belong. It’s tough."

"And when you’re teased or bullied, it can seem like somehow you brought it on yourself -- for being different, or for not fitting in with everybody else. But what I want to say is this. You are not alone," said the President.

Said Clinton: "Children are particularly vulnerable to the hurt caused by discrimination and prejudice and we have lost many young people over the years to suicide. These most recent deaths are a reminder that all Americans have to work harder to overcome bigotry and hatred."

Seattle-based activist and author Dan Savage launched the “It Gets Better Project” to provide support and encouragement to LGBT teens struggling with bullying and adversity.

"We may disagree about gay marriage, but surely we can agree that it is unconscionable to target gays and lesbians for who they are -- whether it's here in the United States or, as Hillary (Clinton) mentioned, more extremely in odious laws that are being proposed most recently in Uganda," Obama said in his remarks this morning at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington.

The president's comments came after protests at his attending the prayer breakfast, an annual bipartisan gathering of religious and political leaders, because of its sponsorship by the Fellowship Foundation.

Protesters claim the foundation has promoted the legislation –- which criminalizes homosexuality with jail terms or death sentences -– although the organization denies any such link.

Homosexual acts are already illegal in Uganda and punishable by up to 14 years in prison, but the proposed legislation would raise that penalty to life in prison.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, speaking before Obama, also criticized the measure being considered in Uganda's parliament, said she had spoken to Uganda's President President Yoweri "expressed the strongest concerns" about the legislation.

And, U.S. lawmakers this week introduced resolutions in both the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate, condemning the Ugandan legislation, calling it an attack on human rights and an obstacle to battling HIV/AIDS.

The President's remarks at the National Prayer Breakfast can be viewed here:

"Our goal is to encourage—even demand—that governments must also take responsibility by putting human rights into law and embedding them in government institutions; by building strong, independent courts and competent and disciplined police and law enforcement. And once rights are established, governments should be expected to resist the temptation to restrict freedom of expression when criticism arises, and be vigilant in preventing law from becoming an instrument of oppression, as bills like the one under consideration in Uganda to criminalize homosexuality would do.

"We know that all governments—and all leaders—sometimes fall short. So there have to be internal mechanisms of accountability when rights are violated. Often the toughest test for governments, this is essential to the protection of human rights. And here, too, we should lead by example. In the last six decades we have done this—imperfectly at times but with significant outcomes—from making amends for the internment of our own citizens in World War II, to establishing legal recourse for victims of discrimination in the Jim Crow South, to passing hate crimes legislation to include attacks against gays and lesbians. When injustice anywhere is ignored, justice everywhere is denied. Acknowledging and remedying mistakes does not make us weaker, it reaffirms the strength of our principles and institutions."

In a Q&A segment following her speech, Clinton was asked this question from a student:

"Hello, Secretary Clinton. Thank you so much for speaking to us today. You spoke about the situation in Uganda. Could you please talk to us a little bit more about how the United States can protect the rights of LGBT people in areas where those rights are not respected?"

Watch her response below:

Full text and video of Clinton's speech available at the State Department website.

On the eve of World AIDS Day, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, Senior Advisor to the President Valerie Jarrett, and other officials discuss the progress the Obama Administration has made in combating HIV/AIDS at home and abroad. November 30, 2009.

Watch the official White House video: