Obama Cites Gay and Lesbian Rights in U.N. General Assembly Address

Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, Sept. 21, President Barack Obama urged countries around the world to protect the rights of their gay and lesbian citizens.

"No country should deny people their rights to freedom of speech and freedom of religion, but also no country should deny people their rights because of who they love," said the president during his speech. "Why we must stand up for the rights of gays and lesbians everywhere."

Obama delivered his speech a day after the repeal of 'don't ask, don't tell' became official.

Is Uganda's anti-homosexuality bill dead?

It appears as though Uganda’s controversial anti-homosexuality bill is dead.

The New Civil Rights Movement; Blabbeando and other bloggers posted last night that Ugandan media indicated the measure, which would impose the death penalty upon anyone found guilty of repeated same-sex acts, will no longer remain on the table. The proposal sparked widespread outrage among LGBT activists inside the East African country and around the world. And gay activist David Kato’s murder in late January highlighted the plight of LGBT Ugandans.

This potential development comes only days after the United Nations' Human Rights Council voted to condemn anti-LGBT violence. President Obama also highlighted the issue in a Jan. 27 statement that urged Ugandan authorities to investigate Kato's murder.

"LGBT rights are not special rights; they are human rights," he stressed. "My administration will continue to strongly support human rights and assistance work on behalf of LGBT persons abroad. We do this because we recognize the threat faced by leaders like David Kato, and we share their commitment to advancing freedom, fairness, and equality for all."