HRC Praises Introduction of the GLOBE Act

by HRC Staff •

The GLOBE Act joins other key pieces of legislation that seek to advance LGBTQ human rights abroad.

Post submitted by former Senior International Policy Advocate Jeremy Kadden

While the White House continues to turn its back on human rights -- particularly as they pertain to LGBTQ people -- at home and abroad, HRC praises the members of Congress that continue to demonstrate bold leadership in prioritizing LGBTQ equality around the world.

On December 13, Rep. Dina Titus of Nevada  introduced the Greater Leadership Overseas for the Benefit of Equality (GLOBE) Act, HR 7291, a bill that would address a wide array of policy areas to improve the lives of LGBTQ people around the globe.

Some of the key provisions of HR 7291 include:

  • Permanent creation of a special envoy for LGBTQ human rights at the U.S. State Department;
  • Establishment of an interagency group within the U.S. government tasked with responding to attacks on LGBTQ people outside the U.S.;
  • Authorization of sanctions against those who commit anti-LGBTQ human rights violations abroad and a requirement that the U.S. State Department must report on those violations in its annual human rights report;
  • A non-discrimination policy codified in all U.S. foreign assistance programs to ensure inclusion of LGBTQ people in all U.S. funded programs; and
  • Permanent establishment of LGBTQ identities as a “social group” for the purposes of claiming asylum in the U.S.

In introducing the bill, Rep. Titus said, “LGBTI individuals continue to face violence, hatred and discrimination around the globe. We in Congress will not stand idly by as the Administration fails to acknowledge and respond to the plight of vulnerable populations, including LGBTI people.”

HRC welcomes the introduction of this vital legislation, led by our coalition partners at the Council for Global Equality (CGE), along with a number of other CGE members and allied organizations.

"While Donald Trump and Mike Pence remain recklessly silent on anti-LGBTQ atrocities around the globe, it’s crucial that the United States Congress fill the void and make clear LGBTQ rights are human rights,” said HRC Government Affairs Director David Stacy. "Congress must send a powerful message that the United States will continue to be a global leader in advancing the human rights of all people -- including LGBTQ people. We thank Rep. Titus for her important leadership on this issue."

The GLOBE Act joins other key pieces of legislation that seek to advance LGBTQ human rights abroad, including the International Human Rights Defense Act and the Global Respect Act. HRC will continue to work with Congress to champion these and other pieces of critical international legislation to safeguard protections and advance equality for LGBTQ people here at home and around the world.

Topics:
Global
Laws and Legislation

Related News

View AllRelated News