‘Historic’ U.N. gay rights vote: which countries backed it and which didn’t

For the first time, the United Nation’s Human Rights Council condemned violence and discrimination against gays, lesbians, and transgender people today in Geneva. The move– which was initially put forward by South Africa– was applauded by gay rights supporters. The resolution "expresses grave concern at acts of violence and discrimination, in all regions of the ...

For the first time, the United Nation's Human Rights Council condemned violence and discrimination against gays, lesbians, and transgender people today in Geneva. The move-- which was initially put forward by South Africa-- was applauded by gay rights supporters.

For the first time, the United Nation’s Human Rights Council condemned violence and discrimination against gays, lesbians, and transgender people today in Geneva. The move– which was initially put forward by South Africa– was applauded by gay rights supporters.

The resolution "expresses grave concern at acts of violence and discrimination, in all regions of the world, committed against individuals because of their sexual orientation and gender identity" and calls for a study by the end of the year to examine discrimination against the gay community.

The U.S. ambassador to the council, Eileen Chamberlain Donahoe, called it a "historic moment" for the United Nations, according to the Associated Press.

Nevertheless, the vote was close– with the strongest opposition coming from African and Islamic countries. 23 nations voted in favor, 19 against, and 3 abstained.

Here’s a rundown of which countries voted which way:

Backed the resolution

Argentina

Belgium

Brazil

Chile

Cuba

Ecuador

France

Guatemala

Hungary

Japan

Mauritius

Mexico

Norway

Poland

South Korea

Slovakia

Spain

Switzerland

Thailand

Ukraine

United Kingdom

United States

Uruguay

Opposed the resolution

Angola

Bahrain

Bangladesh

Cameroon

Djibouti

Gabon

Ghana

Jordan

Malaysia

Maldives

Mauritania

Nigeria

Pakistan

Qatar

Republic of Moldova

Russian Federation

Saudi Arabia

Senegal

Uganda

Abstained

Burkina Faso

China

Zambia

Robert Zeliger is News Editor of Foreign Policy.

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