Cambodian PM Reverses On Anti-Gay Bias

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, who five years ago publicly disowned his daughter when she married a woman, has issued a denouncement of anti-gay discrimination.

Gay rights is not a major issue in Cambodia, and Hun Sen seemed to have been inspired by discussions of the subject on International Human Rights Day on Monday, including on local television. Cambodian society, as in neighboring Thailand, is generally tolerant of homosexuality.  He said he had heard requests from gay Cambodians that they be able to enjoy the same rights and freedoms as others. "There are gays and lesbians in every country, so there should be no discrimination against them just because of their destiny," he said. "Most of them are good people and are not doing alcohol, drugs or racing vehicles."

Homosexuality is legal in Cambodia but no other protections currently exist.