In countries like Saudi Arabia and Egypt, they have a death penalty for consensual same sex relationships by beheading. On September 30, the United Nations decided to vote on if they should condemn the death penalty for consensual same sex relationships.  The vote came to a decision of 27 to 13 votes, 27 being in favor of condemning the penalty. The United States voted against the resolution, and most major news source have reported extensively about this topic. Expressions decided to ask junior and GSA President Lane Stephens for his views on this matter.

Expressions: How do you feel about the recent U.S. vote against condemning death penalty for consensual same sex relationships?

Junior Lane Stephens:  It makes me sick to my stomach to see that the United States, which has always been a leader on the forefront of  human rights movement, would vote against it. I am honestly quite shocked.

Expressions: How do you feel about the countries that do have this penalty?

Lane: I feel sorry for people just like me who happen to live in those countries. Just because there is a death penalty there doesn’t mean we don’t exist, and it terrifies me that if I lived in one of those countries I would actually have to fear for my life and safety.

Expressions: Can you think of any reason why the U.S. did this?

Lane: I mean, it’s no secret that our current administration is against us with who our [United States] vice president is, and I’m aware of the bias which most of the people in positions of power hold. However, the motive to me is so unclear. The backlash they will receive will be seen as higher than any amount of praise. It doesn’t make sense to me. However, I don’t see it from their point of view.