In an attempt to restore our place in the world as an accepting refuge for the oppressed, Condi Rice voted today to ban two gay rights groups from the UN under consultative status. This allows groups to give documents to member nations, and occasionally speak before them. Denying these groups entry put us among other nations whom we wish to be comparable to on human rights issues. This includes Iran, China, Cuba, Sudan, and Zimbabwe. Luckily, some Democrats in the House signed a petition, calling on Rice to consider three gay/lesbian groups pending consultative status. Surely this will put us back in a position to lead the world by example, instead of force. [link]