Associated Press

September 17, 1994

UNITED NATIONS (AP) -- A key U.N. committee, threatened by loss of U.S. funds, has suspended a gay and lesbian organization because of its alleged links with pedophile groups.

The Economic and Social Council agreed that the International Gay and Lesbian Association could have its consultative status restored once it proves that it has cut ties to groups which condone, promote or seek to legalize pedophilia.

The ILGA is the only group representing homosexuals at the United Nations. The Economic and Social Council makes recommendations on human rights, the status of women, social welfare, education, health and other matters to the U.N. General Assembly.

Word of the decision, made Friday in a closed meeting of 54 nations, came from Western diplomats and an ILGA representative, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

The United States sought the urgent meeting of the council because Congress has required, in an amendment to an appropriations bill, that $118.8 million be withheld every year if any group associated with pedophilia receives recognition.

The amendment orders the president to certify to Congress that no such group is recognized by any U.S. or U.N. agency.

Victor Marrero, U.S. representative to the council, called for suspension of the gay group because it had failed to take a strong enough stand against the North American Man-Boy Love Association (NAMBLA).

ILGA expelled NAMBLA and two other groups last year after news reports about the ties between the organizations.

"Our request has nothing whatsoever to do with gay and lesbian rights in general or with ILGA as an advocate for those rights in particular," Marrero said.

He emphasized that the United States would work with ILGA to ensure that none of its members support legalization of pedophilia.

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