The United Nations Human Rights Council has passed a historic resolution, seeking equal rights for all regardless of sexual orientation.

The resolution, drafted by South Africa, passed Friday with 23 nations voting in favor, 19 voting against and 3 abstentions. .

There was strong opposition from some African and Arab nations.

The United States, the European Union and most Latin American countries backed the measure.

The U.N. resolution establishes a panel to review discriminatory laws and violence against individuals based on their sexual orientation and gender identity.