The United States will begin considering how countries treat gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender citizens when allocating foreign aid, President Obama announced today.

"I am deeply concerned by the violence and discrimination targeting LGBT persons around the world," Obama said in a memorandum. "Whether it is passing laws that criminalize LGBT status, beating citizens simply for joining peaceful LGBT pride celebrations or killing men, women and children for their perceived sexual orientation."

Obama said, "I am directing all agencies engaged abroad to ensure that U.S. diplomacy and foreign assistance promote and protect the human rights of LGBT persons."

Among the president's orders:

-- Combat criminalization of LGBT status or conduct abroad.

-- Protect vulnerable LGBT refugees and asylum seekers.

-- Render assistance to protect human rights and advance non-discrimination.

-- Respond swiftly and meaningfully to abuses of LGBT people abroad.

-- Engage international organizations in the fight against LGBT discrimination.

-- Report on progress. All agencies engaged abroad must prepare a report within 180 days and annually thereafter on their progress toward advancing these initiatives.