LGBTQ+ Equality 'Not Within Reach' in U.S., Says U.N. Official
There has been much progress for LGBTQ+ Americans in recent years, but equality remains elusive, says the United Nations’ independent expert on sexual orientation and gender identity.Victor Madrigal-Borloz made the remarks at a press conference Tuesday after spending 10 days traveling around the United States.
The U.N. Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights also put out a press release containing his comments.“Despite five decades of progress, equality is not within reach, and often not even within sight, for all persons impacted by violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in the United States,’’ Madrigal-Borloz said.The comments constituted his preliminary report on the state of LGBTQ+ Americans.
He will make a formal one to the U.N. Human Rights Council next year.His U.S. trip included stops in Washington, D.C.; Birmingham, Ala.; Miami; and San Diego.
He met with more than 70 officials at all levels of government, over 100 representatives of nonprofit organizations, and numerous LGBTQ+ citizens.He praised President Joe Biden and his administration for issuing “very powerful” executive orders aimed at promoting LGBTQ+ equality, but he noted many anti-LGBTQ+ moves by state and local politicians.
