The resolution that proposed removing benefits for same-sex partners of UN staff failed to pass when 80 nations opposed it

India in the United Nations voted has voted in support of a Russian-drafted resolution that proposed removing benefits for same-sex partners of UN staff.

India was among the 43 countries that voted in support of that resolution which failed to pass in the Fifth Committee of the General Assembly that deals with administrative and budgetary issues when 80 nations opposed it March 24.

The proposal aimed at stopping the UN from offering marital benefits to its employees with same-sex spouses.

India was among countries such as China, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and UAE that voted in favour of the draft resolution.

Previously, a UN staff member's marital status was determined by laws applicable in his or her home country and recognised same-sex couples married in a country where it is legal.

About 40,000 UN staff across the world came under the purview of the policy.

India, with a population of at least 1.2 billion people, is the world’s largest democracy. It also has a law that effectively criminalizes same-sex relations. Last year India abstained on a United Nations Human Rights Council resolution to address violence and discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation.

India in the United Nations voted has voted in support of a Russian-drafted resolution that proposed removing benefits for same-sex partners of UN staff.

India was among the 43 countries that voted in support of that resolution which failed to pass in the Fifth Committee of the General Assembly that deals with administrative and budgetary issues when 80 nations opposed it March 24.

The proposal aimed at stopping the UN from offering marital benefits to its employees with same-sex spouses.

India was among countries such as China, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and UAE that voted in favour of the draft resolution.

Previously, a UN staff member's marital status was determined by laws applicable in his or her home country and recognised same-sex couples married in a country where it is legal.

About 40,000 UN staff across the world came under the purview of the policy

India, with a population of at least 1.2 billion people, is the world’s largest democracy. It also has a law that effectively criminalizes same-sex relations. Last year India abstained on a United Nations Human Rights Council resolution to address violence and discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation.