Today, Congressman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), the Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, lauded the Obama Administration’s new policies for improving LGBT rights globally and tying foreign aid to treatment of LGBT citizens.  The announcement of the presidential memorandum was made today in a passionate statement by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

Nadler issued the following statement:

“I commend President Obama and Secretary Clinton for a bold and important step in the advancement of LGBT rights and safety around the globe.  By actively addressing the struggle for LGBT rights and acceptance around the world, the U.S. is explicitly recognizing that LGBT rights are an essential part of the larger struggle for human rights.  Today’s announcement articulates the best ideals of American democracy and demonstrates our core commitment, as Americans, to equality and freedom for all.  International aid should not be taken for granted, but should, as the Administration has conveyed, be tied to how a recipient nation treats ALL of its citizens, including those who are LGBT.

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