Ambassador Bass Marks International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia (May 17)

Ambassador John R. Bass. Photo: State Dept

"We believe that a modern democratic society that supports full implementation of universal human rights, needs to have a space in that society for people of every sexual orientation and that just like any other citizen, members of those communities should be able to express themselves in public in a peaceful way without suffering fear of retribution from other people in society, even if they disagree with them. 

One of the features of a healthy, vibrant democracy is the opportunity for people who have differing views on a wide range of issues to be able to express themselves and engage in a debate but to be able to do so without fear of retribution without fear of violence, simply by virtue of what they believe or who they are. And we think that is a fundamental tenet and a foundation of democratic societies."

John R. Bass
U.S. Ambassador