UNITED NATIONS, March 16: Muslim countries led by Iran on Monday objected to a new directive by the UN secretary-general allowing UN staffers from countries that recognize same-sex marriages or domestic partnerships to receive benefits for their same-sex partners.

Speaking on behalf of the 57-nation Organization of the Islamic Conference, Iran said Muslim states were not only "concerned about extending the scope of the family" eligible for benefits but "opposes the presumption" that same-sex partners should qualify.

The directive, which took effect on Feb 1, says "family status for the purposes of entitlements" will be determined by the staffer's nationality. A legally recognized marriage or domestic partnership will qualify that staff member "to receive the entitlements provided for eligible family members," it says.

Iran's envoy Alireza Tootoonchian told the General Assembly's administration and budget committee that the OIC questioned Mr Annan's right to issue such a directive without a decision of the General Assembly. He asked the UN Secretariat to clarify a number of issues relating to the new policy.

Opinion

Editorial

Property valuation
Updated 31 Oct, 2024

Property valuation

Market valuation rates will not help boost tax revenues without plugging such loopholes in the system.
Hitting a wall
31 Oct, 2024

Hitting a wall

PAKISTAN still has a long way to go in defeating polio. Despite our decades-long fight against the debilitating...
Kurram violence
31 Oct, 2024

Kurram violence

DESPITE years of intermittent and bloody conflict in Kurram, the state has been unable to bring lasting peace to ...
Court business
Updated 30 Oct, 2024

Court business

The unity and commonality of purpose on display in the full court meeting are what will help the SC endure.
UNRWA ban
30 Oct, 2024

UNRWA ban

NOT content with the war of extermination it is executing against the Palestinian people, Israel now wants to ensure...
Cricket changes
30 Oct, 2024

Cricket changes

WIN or lose, Pakistan cricket seems to be embroiled in a constant state of flux. Just when things seemed to be...