US Pushing UN Status For Gay Rights Group

The Obama administration and 14 members of the U.S. Congress are urging the U.N. Economic and Social Council to accredit the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission so it can work at the United Nations.

The U.S.-based organization, which has offices in South Africa, Argentina and the Philippines, has been trying since 2007 to get consultative status with the council, which serves as the main U.N. forum for discussing international economic and social issues.

The organization, the U.S. government and the members of Congress believe the group's application has not been approved because it promotes gay rights.

The council, known as ECOSOC, is currently holding its high-level meeting at U.N. headquarters and the United States decided to seek approval directly from its membership.

A U.S. draft resolution circulated Friday would have ECOSOC grant the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission consultative status.

Jessica Stern, the commission's program director, said the group expects the 54 members of ECOSOC to vote on the U.S. draft on Monday.

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