IS says it killed 30 for sodomy

The Islamic State extremist group has claimed responsibility for killing at least 30 people for sodomy, the head of an international gay rights organization said on Monday at the first-ever UN Security Council meeting spotlighting violence and discrimination against lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgender people.

"It's about time, 70 years after the creation of the UN, that the fate of LGBT persons who fear for their lives around the world is taking center stage," said US Ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Power, who organized the meeting with Chile's UN envoy. "This represents a small but historic step."

Diplomats said two of the 15 council members, Chad and Angola, did not attend the informal, closed meeting.