Those folks were only protected when the Bush administration gave them unfettered access to our country to do what had been decreed.  Most people aren't even aware of the expedited-visa process instituted for Saudi Arabia to allow them to come here without being scrutinized.

Yes, the governments of some nations are 2 centuries behind when it comes to gays, but the people accept us.  It was only recently that our own government moved forward on the issue, republicans notwithstanding.