Info copy-pasted from msmgf. FYI - Aditya ---------------
just wanted to pass along the below information (thanks for bringing it to our attention Don!) about a recent debate on LGBT health that took place at the World Health Assembly. Link: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/nils-daulaire/world-health-organization-lgbt_b_3430849.html?utm_hp_ref=email_share The World Health Organization (WHO) -- the health body of the United Nations -- has led efforts to reduce health disparities for women, ethnic, racial and religious minorities, those with disabilities, and others who have struggled to attain the health care they need. We think it is timely for WHO to take this same leadership role for the LGBT population. During the May 2013 WHO Executive Board meeting, the topic of what WHO should be doing on this front was scheduled to be discussed. When the U.S., Thailand and Brazil petitioned to have an LGBT health item added to the Board meeting's agenda, we realized it would lead to a robust debate. Unfortunately, history was made in another way when a number of African and Middle Eastern countries, called for the item's deletion from the agenda. Never before in the history of WHO has one Executive Board member asked that an item, legitimately placed on the agenda by other member states, be removed. Six hours of debate on whether this was a topic that should even be addressed by WHO ensued. Some delegates claimed that all populations in their countries have equal and guaranteed access, not acknowledging health disparities, and argued that any explicit discussion of LGBT health issues would be divisive and damaging to public health. These states also argued that any discussion of LGBT health is a political issue which belongs in the Human Rights Council instead of WHO. The most outspoken and contentious statements from these opposing delegations included vehement denial that there was any discrimination and stating sexual orientation was a choice and therefore outside the health arena. Equally passionate supporters from the European and Americas regions spoke to how ensuring health access for all is a core part of WHO's work, and that this must include all vulnerable populations. In the statement I made on behalf of the U.S. government, I reminded my colleagues that while sensitive, this is clearly a global public health issue, and a significant public health burden that needs to be discussed. Ultimately a compromise was reached. The item was removed from the day's agenda, and over the coming months the head of WHO, Dr. Margaret Chan, will talk with concerned governments to find common ground to identify WHO's role. If wording can be agreed, the item will presumably be added to the agenda of the January 2014 Executive Board meeting…
