The Ministry of External Affairs said India abstained from the LGBT vote in the United Nations as the case is subjudice and the Supreme Court is yet to pronounce its verdict. India’s response on the LGBT vote in the UN comes hours after LGBT community members expressed disappointment over its move to help protect the rights of homosexuals and transgenders worldwide. LGBT activists in India criticised the government for its silence, saying it reflected their intolerance and homophobia.

The move to bring in an LGBT rights official comes in the aftermath of the mass shooting at a gay nightclub in Orlando. India was one of six countries that did not vote on the protection of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender people. The resolution got the support of the United States, European and Latin American countries, but was opposed by China, Russia and several Islamic nations. Of the 47 member states at the forum, 23 voted for and 18 against the motion.

Did You Know?

• LGBT is an initialism that stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender.
• The initialism LGBT is intended to emphasize a diversity of sexuality and gender identity-based cultures. It may be used to refer to anyone who is non-heterosexual or non-cisgender, instead of exclusively to people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender.