''It is ridiculous to suggest that there are legal reasons why we can't support this resolution -- common sense says we should be the leader in making sure other governments are granting more freedoms for their people, not less. The U.S. lack of support on this issue only dims our once bright beacon of hope and freedom for those who are persecuted and oppressed."

Richard Grenell, a gay Republican who has served as an advisor and Bush-appointed spokesman at the United Nations. The article states that the United States was the only Western nation to not sign this non-binding declaration that is to serve as a launching point for improved acceptance and treatment of gays and lesbians world-wide. (Associated Press)