Tag Archives: State Department

Andres Duque writes at Blabbeando: Through a tweet sent this morning on the official Twitter account of the U.S. Embassy in the Dominican Republic ambassador James “Wally” Brewster and his husband Bob Satawake sent this powerful message to all Dominicans in observance of the month of June as LGBT pride month. Since his nomination to the diplomatic post Brewster has …

From the Facebook page of the US Embassy in Tel Aviv: “Proudly flying the colors! For the first time in history, the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv has raised the Pride flag together with our American flag. We are proud to join with the municipality of Tel Aviv-Yafo and its residents in celebrating LGBT Pride Week.” Fox News reporter Todd …

“There is no difference to importance of love from sexual orientation. There should not be any discrimination because who you love. I am going to raise my voice. If my raised voice could contribute to the pride of LGBT people, there is no greater joy.” – Akie Abe, the First Lady of Japan, speaking today at a gay pride event …

President #Obama proclaims June as #LGBT #Pride Month— “let each of us speak for tolerance, justice, and dignity.” http://t.co/2c3jaet7ah — U.S. in Holy See (@USinHolySee) June 3, 2014 Former NOM communications director Thomas Peters is ever so pissed. From his post at Catholic Vote: It’s nice to see where our tax dollars are going. One wonders if a rainbow flag …

From the YouTube channel of the US Embassy in Dublin.

Via press release from the State Department: Secretary of State John Kerry spoke with Ugandan President Museveni yesterday via phone. Secretary Kerry expressed the United States’ deep disappointment in the Ugandan Government’s decision to enact the Anti-Homosexuality Bill. The Secretary noted that the decision complicates the U.S. relationship with Uganda. He also raised U.S. concerns that this discriminatory law poses …

Via press release from the Human Rights Campaign: President Museveni sent a clear message today that bigotry and intolerance – which is now further codified into statute in Uganda – trump the rights of LGBT Ugandans. Let there be no room for doubt, this bill could destroy lives and tear families apart. We call on Secretary of State John Kerry …

“This is a tragic day for Uganda and for all who care about the cause of human rights. Ultimately, the only answer is repeal of this law. The United States is deeply disappointed in the enactment of the Anti-Homosexuality Bill in Uganda. For the four years since the bill was introduced, we have been crystal clear that it blatantly violates …

Via press release: Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, called on U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry to recall the nation’s ambassadors to Uganda and Nigeria. HRC argued that urgent consultation is required before regular diplomacy can proceed with nations that recently enacted some of the world’s most …

“The United States is deeply troubled by the hateful rhetoric used by President Jammeh in his National Day speech on February 18.  All people are created equal and should be able to live free from discrimination, and that includes discrimination based on sexual identity and sexual orientation. We call on the Government of The Gambia to protect the human rights …

Via press release: In honor of Team USA’s participation in the 2014 Winter Olympics (February 7-23) and Paralympics (March 7-16) in Sochi, Russia, the U.S. Department of State has produced a one-minute video highlighting the diversity of the U.S. athletes competing in the Games as well as everyday Americans. The video focuses on the theme “We Are All Athletes,” to …

The State Department today warned American athletes not to wear US-branded apparel outside of the official Olympic venues while in Russia. “The U.S. Department of State has advised that wearing conspicuous Team USA clothing in non-accredited areas may put your personal safety at greater risk,” says the memo, which was reviewed by The Wall Street Journal. The memo details other …

The Human Rights Campaign has written to Secretary of State John Kerry, demanding a “strong and proactive American response to the humanitarian crisis” in Nigeria. From the list of suggested actions: Directing the U.S. Embassy in Abuja to perform in-country refugee processing for LGBT Nigerians who are being targeted for arrest under the newly passed law. Recommending that President Obama …

The U.S. State Department today issued an updated travel advisory for Americans planning to attend the Sochi Olympics. An excerpt: MEDICAL CARE: The Olympics are the first large-scale event to be held in Sochi and medical capacity and infrastructure in the region are untested for handling the volume of visitors expected for the Olympics. Medical care in many Russian localities …

This came in late last night: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesperson Statement by Jen PSAKI, SPOKESPERSON U.S. Concern with Ugandan Anti-Homosexuality Legislation We are deeply concerned by the Ugandan Parliament’s passage of anti-homosexuality legislation. As Americans, we believe that people everywhere deserve to live in freedom and equality – and that no one should face violence or …

From their official website: On December 2, 2013, the United States Embassy in the Philippines issued its first fiancé visa to a same-sex couple. Although same-sex marriage is not yet recognized in the Philippines, gay Americans are now able to petition for family-based visas on behalf of their Filipino spouses, fiancés, and their children. This extension of rights includes immigration …

Two weeks ago the Senate finally confirmed former HRC board member Wally Brewster as the US ambassador to the Dominican Republic, where local Catholic leaders have denounced his appointment. Shortly after his confirmation, Brewster married his partner, Bob J. Satawake. Brewster and his husband have posted a video message to the Dominican Republic. CNN reports: The welcome message from America’s …

The Senate has confirmed Human Rights Campaign board member Wally Brewster as the US ambassador to the Dominican Republic. Brewster becomes the fifth openly gay US ambassador currently serving.  Via HRC: When nominated for the ambassadorship, Wally Brewster served as Senior Executive for SB&K Global, a global consumer dynamics strategy consulting firm, where he worked with clients on global expansion …