| Photo Courtesy of U.S. State Department |

Jessica Stern, executive director of the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission, said:

The appointment of Randy Berry as a special diplomatic envoy brings to a pinnacle the historic trend, first put in motion by the 2011 Presidential Memorandum, of integrating the rights of LGBT people into U.S. foreign policy.  Having long advocated for this step forward, we at the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission celebrate its arrival and congratulate Mr. Berry on his new role.

The U.S. envoy can contribute to a new era in which the conscience of governments everywhere can be focused on the destabilizing impact of prejudice and abuse that inflicts suffering on millions worldwide. Human rights should be a priority for every government in both domestic and foreign policy…

Ugandan LGBTI Activist Kasha Jacqueline Nabagesera, winner of the Martin Ennals and Nuremberg International Human Rights Awards comments:

We join the US in welcoming the newly appointed LGBTI envoy. It’s not going to be easy inviting Mr. Berry to countries where human rights of LGBTI people are not respected. However, it’s a step in the right direction. Eventually, countries such as Uganda will have to respect their partners’ foreign policies if they are to have great relations. I look forward to working with Mr. Berry.

Originally posted on IGLHRC. Click here for full article.