Encouraged by Ireland’s overwhelming endorsement of same-sex marriage, the State Department is stepping up its bid to crush anti-gay laws in some 80 nations.
Armed with the first “special envoy for the human rights of LGBT persons,” the department is joining with internationally influential groups to repeal the laws and change constitutions to pave the way for sexual equality, including the right to marriage.
“I am very, very optimistic that we will create the change that we need,” said Randy W. Berry, installed as the envoy in April. “We need to focus on advancing the cause.”
Grt mtg today w/Randy Berry, 1st US #LGBT Envoy, on US global efforts to fight discrimination, protect LGBT rights. pic.twitter.com/jGMktVczg0
— Samantha Power (@AmbPower44) April 22, 2015
Berry, speaking at the U.S. Institute of Peace, said the U.S. is getting involved with constitutional challenges in nations, educating judges on gay rights and working to provide legal help to those facing prejudice.
“We are looking to support local, national and international efforts that aim to both repeal these negative laws that further undermine human rights as well as promote the passage of new laws that positively reinforce the message of equality,” he said. “We recognize constitutional reform as a process to achieve both goals.”
The agency has taken a lead in promoting gay rights, though its efforts overseas aren’t as well known, especially in changing constitutions.
#LGBTI Rights: Global Activism, US Diplomacy…live webcast: http://t.co/daqg1wheSC w US State Dept special envoy Randy Berry speaking
— Phil Crehan (@PhilofDelphi) May 26, 2015
“Constitutional reform can provide the basis for legal claims of discrimination that can be used as a tool to uproot customs and structures that are prejudicial,” Berry said.
His actions and that of State have angered some, including the conservative Family Research Council, which on Wednesday is hosting an event to focus on the administration’s plan. In their announcement, FRC said:
The Obama administration has engaged in an aggressive effort to force recipients of American foreign aid to accept the president’s pro-homosexuality agenda. This has gone even to the point of demanding that African nations change their laws against same-sex intimacy and those barring same-sex marriage or risk losing U.S. assistance and even American military support in fighting terrorist organizations. As with so many other areas of Mr. Obama’s priorities, this initiative pushes the statutory authority of the President past the breaking point. Join FRC and Dr. John Eastman as he examines the ways in which our foreign policy has promoted a radical agenda on marriage and sexuality and what can be done to change it.
Paul Bedard, the Washington Examiner’s “Washington Secrets” columnist, can be contacted at [email protected].
