THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release December 6, 2011
December 6, 2011
MEMORANDUM FOR THE HEADS OF EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES
SUBJECT: International Initiatives to Advance the Human Rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Persons
The struggle to end discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) persons is a global challenge, and one that is central to the United States commitment to promoting human rights. I am deeply concerned by the violence and discrimination targeting LGBT persons around the world -- whether it is passing laws that criminalize LGBT status, beating citizens simply for joining peaceful LGBT pride celebrations, or killing men, women, and children for their perceived sexual orientation. That is why I declared before heads of state gathered at the United Nations, "no country should deny people their rights because of who they love, which is why we must stand up for the rights of gays and lesbians everywhere." Under my Administration, agencies engaged abroad have already begun taking action to promote the fundamental human rights of LGBT persons everywhere. Our deep commitment to advancing the human rights of all people is strengthened when we as the United States bring our tools to bear to vigorously advance this goal.
By this memorandum I am directing all agencies engaged abroad to ensure that U.S. diplomacy and foreign assistance promote and protect the human rights of LGBT persons. Specifically, I direct the following actions, consistent with applicable law:
Section 1. Combating Criminalization of LGBT Status or Conduct Abroad. Agencies engaged abroad are directed to strengthen existing efforts to effectively combat the criminalization by foreign governments of LGBT status or conduct and to expand efforts to combat discrimination, homophobia, and intolerance on the basis of LGBT status or conduct.
Sec. 2. Protecting Vulnerable LGBT Refugees and Asylum Seekers. Those LGBT persons who seek refuge from violence and persecution face daunting challenges. In order to improve protection for LGBT refugees and asylum seekers at all stages of displacement, the Departments of State and Homeland Security shall enhance their ongoing efforts to ensure that LGBT refugees and asylum seekers have equal access to protection and assistance, particularly in countries of first asylum. In addition, the Departments of State, Justice, and Homeland Security shall ensure appropriate training is in place so that relevant Federal Government personnel and key partners can effectively address the protection of LGBT refugees and asylum seekers, including by providing to them adequate assistance and ensuring that the
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Federal Government has the ability to identify and expedite resettlement of highly vulnerable persons with urgent protection needs.
Sec. 3. Foreign Assistance to Protect Human Rights and Advance Nondiscrimination. Agencies involved with foreign aid, assistance, and development shall enhance their ongoing efforts to ensure regular Federal Government engagement with governments, citizens, civil society, and the private sector in order to build respect for the human rights of LGBT persons.
Sec. 4. Swift and Meaningful U.S. Responses to Human Rights Abuses of LGBT Persons Abroad. The Department of State shall lead a standing group, with appropriate interagency representation, to help ensure the Federal Government's swift and meaningful response to serious incidents that threaten the human rights of LGBT persons abroad.
Sec. 5. Engaging International Organizations in the Fight Against LGBT Discrimination. Multilateral fora and international organizations are key vehicles to promote respect for the human rights of LGBT persons and to bring global attention to LGBT issues. Building on the State Department's leadership in this area, agencies engaged abroad should strengthen the work they have begun and initiate additional efforts in these multilateral fora and organizations to: counter discrimination on the basis of LGBT status; broaden the number of countries willing to support and defend LGBT issues in the multilateral arena; strengthen the role of civil society advocates on behalf of LGBT issues within and through multilateral fora; and strengthen the policies and programming of multilateral institutions on LGBT issues.
Sec. 6. Reporting on Progress. All agencies engaged abroad shall prepare a report within 180 days of the date of this memorandum, and annually thereafter, on their progress toward advancing these initiatives. All such agencies shall submit their reports to the Department of State, which will compile a report on the Federal Government's progress in advancing these initiatives for transmittal to the President.
Sec. 7. Definitions. (a) For the purposes of this memorandum, agencies engaged abroad include the Departments of State, the Treasury, Defense, Justice, Agriculture, Commerce, Health and Human Services, and Homeland Security, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Millennium Challenge Corporation, the Export-Import Bank, the United States Trade Representative, and such other agencies as the President may designate.
(b) For the purposes of this memorandum, agencies involved with foreign aid, assistance, and development include the Departments of State, the Treasury, Defense, Justice, Health and Human Services, and Homeland Security, the USAID, the Millennium Challenge Corporation, the Export-Import Bank, the United States Trade Representative, and such other agencies as the President may designate.
This memorandum is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its
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departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.
The Secretary of State is hereby authorized and directed to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register.
BARACK OBAMA
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Let Us Welcome Our May Celebrations
MAY CELEBRATIONS
Ondrey Barrett: 5/3/53
Michaela Rhone: 5/3/95
Jordan I. Kelterer-Woods: 5/3/05
Jimmy Ray Galloway: 5/6/61
Mary Roberson: 5/6
Maria Luisa Jimenez: 5/7
Sandra McMillion: 5/7
Karen Mitchell: 5/7
Tamara Rodriguez: 5/7
Niels F. Teunis: 5/8/65
Dr. Doris "Lucki" Allen: 5/9
Christopher Matted: 5/9
Janice Sommerville: 5/9/51
Johnny Thurman: 5/9
Tia Rodgers: 5/11
Steven Caracter: 5/12
Mekahel Francois 5/12
Eric Johnson: 5/12
Roxanne Shaw: 5/14/55
Jelenna S. Hasan: 5/16
Roger E. Hayes: 5/16/71
Douglas Pumpetch: 5/16
Frederick Martin: 5/17
Freddie Kendrick: 5/18
Melinda McLain: 5/19
Wendel Bernard Stevenson III: 5/19/2005
Melvin L. Cauley: 5/20
John M. Caldwell: 5/21
Mother Doris Cummings: 5/22
Liz Konsella: 5/22/69
Kathleen McGuire: 5/22/65
Charmaine B. Robinson: 5/22/55
Nicole Holmes: 5/24/2006
Earlie Jones: 5/26
Monica Davis: 5/27
Monique Davis: 5/27
Michele Edwards: 5/27
Alex Cross: 5/29
Yates F. Watson: 5/29
Shawn J. Hill: 05/30/63
Jimmy Earl Scott: 5/30/61
RECOVERY ANNIVERSARIES
Jean Brice: 5/5/2010
Quenton Hadley: 5/28/88
RELATIONSHIP ANNIVERSARIES
Gina Pond and Sarah Thompson: 5/1/2010
Mekahel and Lizzell Francois 5/12
BISHOP YVETTE A. FLUNDER & SHIRLEY MILLER: 5/19/84
Rev. Dr. Toni Dunbar & Min Tracey L.R. Abernathy: 5/30/93
If we have accidentally missed your celebration,
or need to make a correction, please email pomaikai247@aol.com
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Mother of Peace
As many of you know Mother of Peace has been impacted by a fire that damaged two of the camper trailers used to house some of the employees and young men. An additional camper trailer was damaged, but the damage was not significant enough to render it useless.
Mama Jean and the Mother of Peace family need our urgent financial support. Any size donation would be appreciated and of great assistance.
You can make your donations online by visiting: https://secure.etransfer.com/RefugeMinistries/donate.cfm
If you prefer to mail in a check, cashier check or money order, please send the donation payable to: Mother of Peace and mail to:
Rev. Sherry Thomas
Mother of Peace
1271 Washington Avenue, Box 220
San Leandro, CA 94577
If you prefer to call in your donation using a credit card, please contact Rev. Sherry Thomas at prpletrk@aol.com |
Bishop Flunder Sermons MP3 Available
AhSa-ti Tyehimba-Ford posted in City of Refuge, United Church of Christ, San Francisco.
3:55pm Mar 27
Bishop Yvette Flunder sermons now available for MP3 online purchase!
To purchase go to www.facebook.com/bishopyvetteflunder or to
www.cdbaby.com
Tell your friends to check it out and then tell their friends!
Bishop Yvette Flunder
Public Figure
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1 Tribe 1 Table Trans Ensemble
1Tribe 1Table Trans Ensemble will be singing during this years National Gathering in Vegas July 8- 14, 2013. Calling all trans singers, poets, and all those with the ability to sing and you are of the trans experience you are welcome.
1Tribe 1Table Trans Ensemble is a all trans inclusive gospel music ministry with in the TransSaints Ministry of The Fellowship of Affirming Ministries founded in 2010 at the 10th Anniversary of TFAM. All are welcome from the trans experience regardless of where you are in transition and or faith journey/path.
If you would like to be a part of this every growing ministry please inbox me at bbaker410@yahoo.com.
Blessings,
Rev. BobbieJean Baker- Ensemble Coordinator
Min. Charlene Moore- Director of Music of TFAM
Rev. BobbieJean Baker
http://www.bjbaker.webs.com/
TransSaints Regional Minister of TFAM- West Coast
City of Refuge UCC Oakland
Bishop Yvette Flunder- Presiding Bishop
http://www.radicallyinclusive.com/
SisthaKin E- Summit Coordinator
http://www.sisthakin.webs.com/
sisthakin@gmail.com
415.236.0412- messages only
....every great dream begins with a dreamer..always remember you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world...Harriet Tubman...
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Early Registration Before June 1, 2013 - TFAM
[Attachment(s) from =?utf-8?B?cG9tYWlrYWkyNDdAYW9sLmNvbQ==?= included below]
From: "Sherry K.Thomas"
Subject: Early Registration Ending Soon
blessings,
Rev. Sherry K. Thomas
"Stay open and willing to change and watch as things start changing."
Attachment(s) from =?utf-8?B?cG9tYWlrYWkyNDdAYW9sLmNvbQ==?=
1 of 1 Photo(s)WhatsNextFlyer4.jpg |
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