The 64th session of the United Nations General Assembly began this week with the newly-elected president of the General Assembly, Ali Treki, dampening hopes for action on LGBT issues. Following his statement opening the session, Treki was asked about a movement seeking to universally decriminalize homosexuality. PinkNews reports his response:

“That matter is very sensitive, very touchy. As a Muslim, I am not in favour of it . . . it is not accepted by the majority of countries. My opinion is not in favour of this matter at all. I think it’s not really acceptable by our religion, our tradition.

“It is not acceptable in the majority of the world. And there are some countries that allow that, thinking it is a kind of democracy . . . I think it is not,” he added.

Sixty-six countries have joined together in a bid to end to the criminalization of homosexuality worldwide.  More than 80 nations punish homosexual activity.