Objectivity, authority, and truth: confirming a homosexual identity in lesbian and gay fights for asylum

Source: Paper for Peace Studies Student Conference, Grinnell, Iowa

By Ryan Carlino

Abstract: Article 2 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) states that the freedoms and livelihoods of people throughout the world cannot be compromised or denied based on “colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.” The list of characteristics enumerated in the UDHR seems to protect members of all possible social categories; however, Article 2 fails to explicitly mention sexual orientation as a personal trait protected from discrimination and violence. By not specifically citing sexual minorities in the Declaration, the U.N. relegates to individual states the power to decide how they will treat their lesbian and gay citizens.

Objectivity, authority, and truth: confirming a homosexual identity in lesbian and gay fights for asylum