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by GoPride.com News Staff

New York City — The United Nations has voted to accredit a U.S.-based gay rights group.

The International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission applied for "consultative status" at the U.N. Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) three years ago. 

The group has snatched victory from the jaws of defeat; last month a U.N. committee voted "no" on their application after China, Egypt and Russia protested.

Western nations asked the full committee to vote on the matter, and on Monday, the group was approved by a 23-13 vote (with 13 abstentions.)

"Today, with the more full inclusion of the International Lesbian and Gay Human Rights Commission, the United Nations is closer to the ideals on which it was founded, and to values of inclusion and equality to which the United States is deeply committed," said President Obama in a statement. "I welcome this important step forward for human rights."

Over 3,000 groups have "consultative" status at the United Nations. Those groups are allowed to submit statements, advocate, and attend meetings.

The International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission has offices in New York City, South Africa and Argentina. 

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