“After 8 years of regressive LGBT policy decisions, the United States has joined the rest of the Western world in demanding an end to the criminalization of homosexuality.

“While this is a first step in the fight for international equality, we still have a long way to go. We must continue to call attention to the fact that in many nations homosexual conduct is a criminal offense, sometimes punishable by death. Such practice has no place in modern society. Until sexual orientation and gender identity are included in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, we will continue to push for equality around the world.

“I commend President Obama for taking a strong step forward in the name of human rights.”