Gay Today: World

United Nations Employees Cry Foul

By Rex Wockner
International News Report

Although the United Nations claims to ban discrimination based on sexual orientation, the organization does not provide equal benefits to gay workers, the UN gay employees group complained August 16.

GLOBE-UN (Gay, Lesbian or Bisexual Employees at the UN) seeks access to spousal benefits in areas such as insurance, pensions, relocation expenses and visas.

"The 30-year partner of a lesbian staff member is not entitled to the survivor's benefits afforded under the pension scheme," GLOBE said.

"The UN will not pay to travel a gay family to a staff member's new assignment, nor will the UN assist in securing a visa for a gay or a lesbian partner."

UN spokesman Kevin St. Louis, special assistant to the assistant secretary general, told Inter Press Service the UN cannot take the lead ahead of member nations in recognizing gay families.

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But, he added, "As more nations come up with new laws, the United Nations will at least have to look at [the issue]."