Interactive Dialogue with the Independent Expert on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity, Victor Madrigal  

Statement by the Delegation of the United States of America 

As Delivered by 
Special Envoy for Advancing the Human Rights of LGBTQI+ Persons Jessica Stern 

Human Rights Council – 53rd Session  

Thank you, Mr. Vice President.

Thank you, Mr. Madrigal-Borloz, for your invaluable reporting and work to address the discrimination and violence against LGBTQI+ persons globally.  The United States was pleased to welcome your official visit last August and looks forward to carrying on this important work with your successor. 

The United States welcomes your current report and its emphasis on the intersections between religion, belief, identity, and expression.  Religious freedom cannot flourish without respect for the human rights of all persons.  The urgent work of promoting and protecting human rights requires engagement throughout our communities, including with religious actors, as we seek inclusive, tolerant, and rights-respecting societies.  We have been heartened by numerous faith-based leaders, from a diversity of religious traditions, who continue to support acceptance for all people.

We must also address the global trend of instrumentalizing and weaponizing religion, customs, traditions, and culture to justify discriminatory legislation and attacks against LGBTQI+ persons.  A tragic example is Uganda’s recently enacted Anti-Homosexuality Act infringes on the rights of LGBTQI+ persons.  We join UN Secretary General among many others around the world, including Ugandans, who call for its immediate repeal. 

During Pride Month, which is celebrated globally, I hope we leverage this call to action and reaffirm that every human being, regardless of who they love, is born free and equal in dignity and rights.  

I thank you. 

Question:  Mr. Independent Expert, how can governments best work with faith-based communities and civil society to advance the human rights of LGBTQI+ persons?

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