Muslim nations block gay groups from UN Aids conference

"Given that transgender people are 49 times more likely to be living with HIV than the general population, their exclusion from the High Level meeting will only impede global progress in combatting the HIV/AIDS pandemic and achieving the goal of an AIDS-free generation," the letter, dated May 13, stated.

Canada's Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative Michael Grant said his country also sent a letter expressing concern that members could remove civil society groups from a conference without providing any justification.

Earlier this week, the world body allowed a gay rights group to host a gala at U.N. headquarters for the first time and last August the Security Council held its first meeting spotlighting violence and discrimination against LGBT people.