No Shift in U.S.’s LGBT Stance, Deputy Chief Reports

Adrienne Galanek

Since taking office, President Trump has looked to fulfill some of his campaign promises by using executive orders. One of those executive orders is to ban federal money going to international groups which perform or provide information on abortions.  In the last few days, Trump’s daughter Ivanka Trump has fought against the LGBT executive order – an order that would overrun LGBT rights. The US Embassy in the past has given grants to organizations like BFLA and UNIBAM. Important to note, however, the monies given to the BFLA was for a gender-based violence program – so if the BFLA were to apply for grant and selected for a similar purpose or a purpose unrelated to abortion, they would not likely be affected by this order. But what about the LGBT aspect? Today, the media spoke with the Chargé d’Affaires Adrienne Galanek about the orders.

Adrienne Galanek, Chargé d’Affaires/Deputy Chief of Mission, US Embassy
“The new executive order prohibits funding for organizations that also promote abortion. But this is an existing grant that we have had with BFLA for almost a year; little bit less than that.”

Reporter

“So, it won’t be affected is what you are saying?”

Adrienne Galanek

“I haven’t received any information that it would be.”

Reporter

“Since you have spoken about abortions; what about LGBT issues. For instance, the relationship that has been had with UNIBAM; they have received a lot of support from the US Embassy. Would that be affected?”

Adrienne Galanek

“Umm. As far as I know, we haven’t had a shift in policy towards LGBT rights. As you know, the Embassy has been a strong supporter of LGBT rights as human rights and I really commend Belize on this Section Fifty-three ruling that it made.”