Update: United Nations rebuffs Russia resolution, approves benefits for spouses of gay staffers. Story here.
UNITED NATIONS — Russia has asked a United Nations General Assembly committee to vote on its proposal to stop the world body extending staff benefits to all married same-sex couples.
Russia wants the General Assembly Fifth Committee, which deals with the U.N. budget, to overturn a decision announced last July by Secretary General Ban Ki-moon to recognize same-sex marriages among its 43,000 staff worldwide.
The decision allows married, same-sex couples to receive the same benefits as their heterosexual counterparts.
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Before the change of policy, UN workers’ status was determined by the laws of their country of nationality.
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However, additional funding to pay for the new benefits must be approved by the General Assembly’s budget committee.
Russia wants the committee to overturn Ban’s decision and has asked for a vote on Tuesday.
The fifth committee website states action would be taken on the proposal on Tuesday.
Diplomats said they expect a close vote.