Once again, thank you for all the excellent
questions. In my column last week, I emphasized that the U.S.
commitment to human rights is based on the belief that certain values
are universal. This belief is the reason why the administration of
President Obama supports an end to discrimination for members of the
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) community. The President
has declared that “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.” Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton
famously said, “Gay rights are human rights, and human rights are gay
rights, once and for all.” Recognizing the LGBT community is an
important step toward ensuring the full participation of all citizens in
creating a more prosperous and just society.
On May 17, the International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHO), the U.S. Embassy hosted a film screening and panel discussion to demonstrate our commitment to raising awareness about LGBT issues in Cambodia. Since 2004, IDAHO has helped to draw the worldwide attention of policymakers, opinion leaders, social movements, the public, and the media to LGBT issues. Here in Cambodia, the LGBT community organizes “Pride Week” activities around this date to raise awareness about the significant social challenges its members face – which can include discrimination by employers and the police, rejection by family, and the struggle to gain acceptance from society.
Unfortunately, there are some people who claim that LGBT issues are a Western phenomenon and somehow foreign to their own culture. In reality, gay people are born into, and belong to, every society in the world. Gay people are of all ages, all races, all nationalities, and all faiths. Whether we acknowledge it or not, gay people are our family, our friends, and our neighbors. Being gay is not a Western invention. It is a human reality in Cambodia and around the world.
While there are no reliable statistics on the number of gay people in Cambodia, a local newspaper recently highlighted a Khmer lesbian couple who live together and consider themselves married. The local LGBT advocacy group, Rainbow Community Kampuchea, indicates that there are hundreds of such couples in the country whose relationships are acknowledged by village and commune chiefs, clearly demonstrating that the LGBT community is an indigenous part of Cambodian society.
Despite instances of acceptance of LGBT people, however, prejudice and discrimination are still far more prevalent. Even though bigotry and harassment are commonplace, LGBT individuals often do not report instances of discrimination and abuse due to the stigma associated with LGBT identities. Sadly, those who have the courage to report abuse are frequently ignored, or worse, face further abuse. During the recent Embassy event, panel members talked about often hiding who they were due to fear of discrimination, and they shared stories of rejection when revealing their sexuality or “coming out” to family and friends. I was very touched by the willingness of these individuals to open up to total strangers, and I am proud to have had the chance to meet them.
The good news is that attitudes around the globe seem to be slowly changing toward LGBT issues. Many of you may remember that His Majesty King Father Norodom Sihanouk expressed his support for same sex marriage in Cambodia as far back as 2004. While Cambodia has yet to legalize such unions, many countries have done so, including most recently France. Uruguay and New Zealand are expected soon to enact legislation that would bring the total number of nations allowing same-sex marriage to 14. In the United States, 12 states and the District of Columbia have legalized same-sex marriages, and our Supreme Court is currently deliberating the idea of extending them recognition by the Federal government.
Back in Cambodia, Prime Minister Hun Sen has also publicly called for equal treatment of the LGBT community. I commend the Prime Minister for taking a strong public stand on this issue and for raising public awareness and creating a dialogue about the need to protect the human rights of this vulnerable segment of society. Another important step forward has been the increase in the number of civil society groups in Cambodia advocating for the LGBT community. Groups like Rainbow Community Kampuchea are playing a vital role in pressing for the rights of LGBT individuals to be recognized under the law and for the elimination of violence and discrimination against LGBT people.
I am committed to working with the Cambodian government, civil society, and the public to continue the fight to protect the human rights of everyone, including those who are LGBT. Raising awareness about these issues with a diverse range of audiences and stakeholders is a critical part of building understanding among Cambodians. It is my sincere hope that one day everyone in Cambodia, in the United States, and around the world can live without fear and discrimination, regardless of whom they are or whom they love.
Thank you very much for reading this week’s column. Please continue to send me your questions and comments in English or Khmer at AskAMBToddPP@state.gov and follow my blog at http://blogs.usembassy.gov/todd/.
William E. Todd is U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Cambodia
On May 17, the International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHO), the U.S. Embassy hosted a film screening and panel discussion to demonstrate our commitment to raising awareness about LGBT issues in Cambodia. Since 2004, IDAHO has helped to draw the worldwide attention of policymakers, opinion leaders, social movements, the public, and the media to LGBT issues. Here in Cambodia, the LGBT community organizes “Pride Week” activities around this date to raise awareness about the significant social challenges its members face – which can include discrimination by employers and the police, rejection by family, and the struggle to gain acceptance from society.
Unfortunately, there are some people who claim that LGBT issues are a Western phenomenon and somehow foreign to their own culture. In reality, gay people are born into, and belong to, every society in the world. Gay people are of all ages, all races, all nationalities, and all faiths. Whether we acknowledge it or not, gay people are our family, our friends, and our neighbors. Being gay is not a Western invention. It is a human reality in Cambodia and around the world.
While there are no reliable statistics on the number of gay people in Cambodia, a local newspaper recently highlighted a Khmer lesbian couple who live together and consider themselves married. The local LGBT advocacy group, Rainbow Community Kampuchea, indicates that there are hundreds of such couples in the country whose relationships are acknowledged by village and commune chiefs, clearly demonstrating that the LGBT community is an indigenous part of Cambodian society.
Despite instances of acceptance of LGBT people, however, prejudice and discrimination are still far more prevalent. Even though bigotry and harassment are commonplace, LGBT individuals often do not report instances of discrimination and abuse due to the stigma associated with LGBT identities. Sadly, those who have the courage to report abuse are frequently ignored, or worse, face further abuse. During the recent Embassy event, panel members talked about often hiding who they were due to fear of discrimination, and they shared stories of rejection when revealing their sexuality or “coming out” to family and friends. I was very touched by the willingness of these individuals to open up to total strangers, and I am proud to have had the chance to meet them.
The good news is that attitudes around the globe seem to be slowly changing toward LGBT issues. Many of you may remember that His Majesty King Father Norodom Sihanouk expressed his support for same sex marriage in Cambodia as far back as 2004. While Cambodia has yet to legalize such unions, many countries have done so, including most recently France. Uruguay and New Zealand are expected soon to enact legislation that would bring the total number of nations allowing same-sex marriage to 14. In the United States, 12 states and the District of Columbia have legalized same-sex marriages, and our Supreme Court is currently deliberating the idea of extending them recognition by the Federal government.
Back in Cambodia, Prime Minister Hun Sen has also publicly called for equal treatment of the LGBT community. I commend the Prime Minister for taking a strong public stand on this issue and for raising public awareness and creating a dialogue about the need to protect the human rights of this vulnerable segment of society. Another important step forward has been the increase in the number of civil society groups in Cambodia advocating for the LGBT community. Groups like Rainbow Community Kampuchea are playing a vital role in pressing for the rights of LGBT individuals to be recognized under the law and for the elimination of violence and discrimination against LGBT people.
I am committed to working with the Cambodian government, civil society, and the public to continue the fight to protect the human rights of everyone, including those who are LGBT. Raising awareness about these issues with a diverse range of audiences and stakeholders is a critical part of building understanding among Cambodians. It is my sincere hope that one day everyone in Cambodia, in the United States, and around the world can live without fear and discrimination, regardless of whom they are or whom they love.
Thank you very much for reading this week’s column. Please continue to send me your questions and comments in English or Khmer at AskAMBToddPP@state.gov and follow my blog at http://blogs.usembassy.gov/todd/.
William E. Todd is U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Cambodia
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