UN condemns hatred, violence against gays in Haiti

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – The United Nations mission in Haiti is condemning acts of hatred and violence aimed at homosexuals in the Caribbean nation.

The statement came after a gay couple was recently attacked at an engagement party. People threw stones and burned cars.

More than a thousand people showed up for a demonstration last month in the capital to protest homosexuality and a proposal to legalize gay marriage in Haiti.

Gay advocacy groups said they’ve been the target of threats and harassment.

Haiti’s gay and lesbian community is small and has long kept a low-profile because of a strong social stigma that sparks fears of physical violence and loss of employment.

The U.N. issued the statement Monday.