by Stefano Gennarini JD, C-Fam
UNITED NATIONS, October 9 (C-Fam) France withdrew a resolution calling on all nations to decriminalize homosexual acts after criticism not only from Islamic nations but also from homosexual/trans groups.
France proposed the resolution late in the session of the Human Rights Council that concluded this week in Geneva. The resolution stated that “criminalization of consensual same-sex conduct between adults is contrary to the principles of international human rights law” and encouraged nations to “review laws criminalizing consensual same-sex conduct between adults with a view to their repeal in accordance with their constitutional and legal processes.”
France withdrew the resolution on Wednesday, the last day of the council session, and delivered a joint statement in favor of decriminalizing homosexual acts on behalf of 52 nations instead.
“France saw it might lose and withdrew,” according to a diplomat from the group of Islamic states who was familiar with the debates. Losing a vote would have been counterproductive. Winning the vote by only a tight margin would have proven how little support there is for claims that international law protects homosexual conduct.
Islamic countries opposed the resolution on grounds that homosexual relations were not addressed anywhere in international human rights law. They also complained that they were not given adequate time or opportunity to negotiate the resolution.