Slowly but surely our governmental bodies are moving towards acceptance of what has already been culturally recognized: It’s okay to be gay.

New York is one vote away from legally recognizing same sex marriage. There are widespread expectations that the legislation will pass next week. Last week a federal judge upheld the ruling striking down California’s Proposition 8 and a U.S. Bankruptcy Court held that Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act is unconstitutional.

In the face of all of this, opponent arguments remain demonstrably bankrupt.

Meanwhile, on the global stage, the United Nations endorsed the rights of gay, lesbian and transgender people for the first time ever yesterday. U.S. ambassador Eileen Chamberlain Donahoe explains the significance:

“You just witnessed a historic moment at the Human Rights Council and within the U.N. system with a landmark resolution protecting human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered people.”

South Africa, Brazil, and 39 other co-sponsors introduced the resolution. The final vote was 23-19 with China, Burkina Faso, and Zambia abstaining. European Union members, the United States, and much of South America were in favor, African and Middle Eastern countries opposed.

The single page declaration is cautiously-worded. The joint press release from 17 human rights organizations.