Obama Criticizes Gay Persecution; Silent On Religious Persecution

President Obama recently proclaimed that he had no patients for intimidation based on sexual preference. Jay Leno, in an interview asked about the Russian laws that make propaganda of homosexuality a crime. The president said that he has “no patience for countries that try to treat gays or lesbians or transgender persons in ways that intimidate them or are harmful to them.” He elaborated:

One of the things that I think is very important for me to speak out on is making sure that people are treated fairly and justly, because that’s what we stand for and I believe that that’s a precept that’s not unique to America. That’s something that should apply everywhere.

Well that sounds good. All humans have rights and should be respected, not intimidated or harmed for their beliefs.

But that is a curious statement to make about sexual orientation while he has been completely silent on the worst persecution in the world, that of Christians. Vladimir Putin, the leader who initiated the anti-gay laws in Russia called for world leaders to step up in defense of religious liberty in the face of intense persecution, particularly in Egypt and Syria. Putin said:

This pressing problem should be a subject of close attention for the entire international community. It is especially important today to make efforts to prevent intercultural and interreligious conflicts, which are fraught with the most serious upheavals.

Obama has been very vocal about human rights regarding sexual preference despite making “for some uncomfortable press conferences,” but he seems to be fine with religious persecution.