At the United Nations' Durban Review Conference on racism and xenophonia in Geneva this week, the United States has supported a motion to condemn "all forms of discrimination and all other human rights violations based on sexual orientation."

"The Czech Republic on behalf of the E.U., with the support of New Zealand, the United States, Colombia, Chili on behalf of the South American states, the Netherlands, Argentina and a few others, took the floor in support," reports UN Watch.

"The inclusion of the words "discrimination on grounds including sexual orientation" made the paragraph unadoptable and unacceptable for countries that reflect the majority of member states at the U.N.who oppose any form of gay rights: South Africa on behalf of the African Group, China, Egypt, Nigeria, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, Botswana, Iran, Algeria, and Syria."

However, the United States' support is a large step forward for on LGBT issues in the UN. Back in December, the United States refused to sign up to a similar statement condemning criminal penalties against people because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.