http://www.tribune242.com/news/20062011_nm-gayrigthsresolution_news_pg1THE Bahamas' support of a United Nations Human Rights Council resolution passed last week affirming equal rights for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) is a move that has been a long time coming, according to local human and gay rights activist Erin Greene.
The resolution, which was narrowly passed in the council in Geneva, Switzerland, expressed "grave concern" about discrimination against gays throughout the world and affirmed that freedom to choose sexuality is a human right.
"It's been a long time coming for a country that identifies itself as a Christian nation. It's only the beginning and hopefully, soon enough, our Christian beliefs and our humane policies will come together and help us create a country we all want to live in," Ms Greene told the Tribune.
"It's only a resolution, its not the be-all-and-end-all. It's just the start of a process of guaranteeing protection and safety of all citizens in a country. Many Bahamians may be upset and appalled but that move is more Christian than any other policy decision."
Twenty-three countries on the human rights council supported the resolution, 19 voted against it and three countries abstained.
The resolution was the first of its kind passed by the council. The United States, France and Thailand were among the countries that supported the bill while Russia, Pakistan and Ghana were among the countries that opposed it.