Posted by Reginald Beltran/Philippines on April 07, 1997 at 20:06:25:
In Reply to: Discussion of the Banning homosexuals from becoming teachers in Thailand posted by Gloria Loo/Canada on April 06, 1997 at 23:29:21:
:First of all, my government believes that the homosexual
issue in Thailand is not a UN issue. Why are
we bothering with this senseless issue? Although
it is of paramount importance that civil rights
should be taken into consideration, the government
of the Philippines believes that instructing
Thailand to develop a domestic policy promoting homosexuals
in their schools is not a legal duty of the UN.
The charter protects the sovereignty of nations.
The UN would be violating Thailand's sovereigty.
If we would condemn Thailand of their policies on
homosexuals, then that would send a dangerous precedent.
A precedent that will allow the UN to control the
domestic policies of its member states. If any
human rights issue is to be considered, then we should
consider the human rights issue in China or Kashmir.
Although it is unfortunate that Thailand follows
a strict policy against homosexuals in their land,
it is our duty as responsible member states to respect
their policies so not to infringe upon their sovereignty,
which is guaranteed in the UN charter.