UN rights council backs 'historic' gay equality bill

The UN Human Rights Council on Friday passed a "historic" resolution that seeks equal rights for all regardless of sexual orientation, marking significant progress for gay rights. The resolution tabled by South Africa passed with 23 votes in favour, 19 against and three abstentions, despite strong opposition from African and Arab states. The resolution "affirms that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights and that everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms ... without distinction of any kind." It also commissions a study on discriminatory laws and violence against individuals based on their sexual orientation and gender identity.