VIDEO: Watch Hillary Clinton's Speech Declaring 'Gay Rights Are Human Rights'

Watch Hillary Clinton's Speech Declaring

'Gay Rights Are Human Rights'

As you know, McKinney & Associates had dedicated their blogging last week to focussing on the upcoming United Nations' (UN) Human Rights Day. This event was officially observed on December 10, to mark the anniversary of the presentation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. While the United States hasn't always had a spotless record on the subject of Human Rights, it was quite encouraging to listen to Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton's speech in front of the United Nations in which she declard that it is a "violation of human rights" to commit violence or discrimination against people because of their sexual orientation. This was a bold step for U.S. foreign policy as the speech was delivered in front of ambassadors from many countries in which discrimination and/or violence against homosexuals is allowed or even encouraged. Here is a very discouraging map of Africa which highlights penalties targeting gays and lesbians for each country. In her speech, Clinton tackled many of the common stereotypes leveled at gay people and called on other nations to eliminate laws that criminalize or marginalize homosexuals. 

Human Rights: We Still Have A Ways To Go

We Still Have A Ways To Go

By: Shannon Mouton

At the birth of a nation, over 235 years ago, Thomas Jefferson penned these famous words in response to the tyranny of British Empire.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.

The General Congress of the United State of America signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.

After the Second World War, 172 years later, the Commission on Human Rights presented international bill of human rights to the UN for approval.

Preamble: Whereas recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world…

Article 1. All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.

Article 2. Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status…

Article 3. Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person.

Article 4. No one shall be held in slavery or servitude; slavery and the slave trade shall be prohibited in all their forms.

Article 5. No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.

Article 6. Everyone has the right to recognition everywhere as a person before the law.

The United Nations General Assembly formally adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on December 10, 1948.

As a country founded on “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” and had a leading role in the “recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights” of all people, are we practicing what we preach?

To learn more about International Human Rights Day visit: http://www.celebratehumanrights.org/

Don't Ask. Don't Tell. Don't Stop!

Don't Ask. Don't Tell.  Don't Stop!

By: Ryan Duncan

 

And just like that it's gone. Don't Ask. Don't Tell.  Don't Stop!

This morning history was made as President Obama proudly signed the "DADT" repeal act of 2010 into law thus ending the military policy that has resulted in the unjust firing of over 14,000 gay military personal over the past 17 years.

You could see the pride President Obama felt as he finally delivered on his campaign promise to do away with a practice that he himself called discriminatory.

I was filled with emotion and pride as I listened to my President beat the drum of equality, signing the bill into law, saying this "will strengthen our national security and uphold the ideals that our fighting men and women risk their lives to defend." And then it was done.

But we must not stop! We must keep marching forward towards full equality for all Americans, both in our military and out! As President Obama put it today, "We are not a nation that says 'don't ask, don't tell.' We are a nation that says, 'Out of many, we are one.'" There is still progress that needs to be made before full equality is achieved, but the dominoes are starting to fall. And more quickly!

There are certainly going to be more battles in the years ahead. For example, John McCain is apparently working with the "hate group" Family Research Council to try to roll back DADT in 2011.

But they will lose. One thing that history has taught us is, you can try to slow it down, but you can't stop progress. At yesterday's House celebration of the 'DADT' repeal, Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA) listed the next battles left to be won on the "radical homosexual agenda".

Said Frank: "It's to be protected against violent crimes driven by bigotry, it's to be able to get married, it's to be able to get a job, and it's to be able to fight for our country. For those who are worried about the radical homosexual agenda, let me put them on notice. Two down, two to go."

What an exciting way to wrap up what has certainly been a trying, and difficult year. On to the next battle, and on to 2011!

Author’s ID: Ryan Duncan is the New Media Coordinator for McKinney & Associates and manages all web2.0 and social networking activities for the firm and it's clients. For more info visit: http://www.mckpr.com/