U.S. and international leaders increasingly criticize President Obama’s foreign policy approach, especially his weak responses to massive human rights atrocities and religious cleansing in the Middle East and Africa.
But the Obama administration boasts – and few disagree – it has been all-hands-on-deck when it comes to expanding sexual rights.
The State Department released a fact sheet listing its “significantly expanded efforts” to promote LGBT rights through “private engagement with governments and civil society, public diplomacy, foreign assistance, and work in multilateral fora.”
“There are few areas where I think our task is so clear” as to work “for the rights and the dignity of LGBT persons around the world,” said Secretary John Kerry.
What a neat foreign policy. Tone-deafness and limp-wristedness is such a great combo. Luckily people aren't standing for it everywhere.
National leaders and foreign policy experts say this focus has caused a backlash in some countries.
Uganda President Museveni reportedly initially leaned against legislation toughening penalties on homosexuality. When he signed it into law, Museveni pointed out pressure from Obama had a reverse effect.
“I would like to discourage the USA government from taking the line that passing this law will ‘complicate our valued relationship’ with the USA as President Obama said,” Museveni said.
“Africans do not seek to impose our views on anybody. We do not want anybody to impose their views on us.”
Glad to see some people have courage. Here's hoping for more backlashes.
With the policy of the USGov't focused on foreign LGBT laws and climate change, not only will there be backlashes like that, but significant not-so-good actions will be taken by others. Such as territorial expansion by China and Russia, especially as they work together (see the $500M gas deal closed last week).
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