It is a "credit to Israel" that the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community are secure, US Ambassador to Israel Dan Shapiro said on Thursday.
Speaking at a reception in his official residence on International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHO), Shapiro said during the event that [US President Barack Obama has "declared that ‘the United States stands proudly with those nations that are standing up to intolerance, discrimination, and homophobia."
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Extending his gratitude to Israel, Shapiro added: "Throughout the world, human rights defenders are fighting for these very rights, and it is a credit to Israel and to all of you that here those rights are secure."
Guests at the event represented a mix of local and national government members, Knesset members who have participated in Knesset events to promote gay pride, NGO representatives, diplomats, artists and entertainers, business owners, and the press.