-
Russia forces UN to nix support for LGBT rights from tribute to outgoing leader
The U.N. Security Council eliminated a reference to one of the Secretary-General’s key achievements in a statement paying tribute to the outgoing chief.
-
Muslim nations block LGBTQ groups from UN AIDS conference
Major Western nations are protesting a move to block gay and transgender groups from attending a high-level United Nations conference on AIDS.
-
United Nations rebuffs Russia resolution, approves benefits for spouses of gay staffers
The U.N. budget committee has approved Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s plan to give benefits to all spouses of gay U.N. staffers who are legally wed in a defeat for Russia and opponents of same-sex marriage.
-
Russia moves to stop United Nations staff benefits for married, same-sex couples
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.
-
UN secretary general, Austria’s Conchita Wurst call for end to LGBT bias
VIENNA — U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has joined Austrian cross-dressing pop star Conchita Wurst in calling for an end to bias based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Wurst teamed up with Ban on Monday on the sidelines of a U.N. conference to deliver their message of tolerance.
-
United Nations chief shows off his purple tie, socks in observance of Spirit Day
UNITED NATIONS — UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has responded to the call to “go purple” on Spirit Day to show solidarity with LGBT youths who face bullying and discrimination. The U.N. chief pointed to his purple tie at a press conference Thursday and then picked up his right trouser leg to show off his matching purple sock.
-
UN chief demands repeal of Uganda law, Netherlands freezes aid subsidy
WASHINGTON — United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Tuesday demanded that Uganda revise or repeal the law imposing prison sentences for the “crime” of homosexuality, adding to the growing international criticism of the measure signed by Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni on Monday.
-
At IOC assembly, UN chief condemns attacks, discrimination against gays
SOCHI, Russia — U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon condemned attacks and discrimination against homosexuals on Thursday, touching on the gay rights issue in Russia that has overshadowed preparations for the Sochi Olympics.
-
UN chief to attend Sochi Olympics, give keynote address at IOC assembly
UNITED NATIONS — Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon will take part in Friday’s opening of the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia and deliver a keynote address to the International Olympic Committee’s general assembly, the first by a U.N. secretary-general, officials said Monday.
-
United Nations chief alarmed by Nigeria’s new anti-gay law
UNITED NATIONS — U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon says he is alarmed by reports of the arrest and torture of individuals in northern Nigeria believed to be homosexual and strongly hopes that the constitutionality of the country’s new anti-gay law will be reviewed.