Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) & Congressman Alan Lowenthal (CA-47) have announced they will reintroduce the International Human Rights Defense Act, a bicameral effort to reaffirm the United States' role as a world leader in the promotion of LGBTQ equality. The legislation will also create a permanent LGBTQ Special Envoy at the State Department. While the Trump administration left this position vacant President Biden & Secretary of State Antony Blinken have committed to filling this role early in the Biden administration. The International Human Rights Defense Act would make the special envoy position permanent & allow for the position to be named at the rank of Ambassador. Senator Markey, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee stated, “The United States must reaffirm its support for the promotion & protection of LGBTQI rights around the world and reengage as a leader on these issues after four years of harmful & discriminatory policies. This legislation will make it clear that the United States is committed to protecting the human rights of all people, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. The COVID-19 crisis has put LGBQTI communities all around the world at greater risk & this moment requires a concerted & global effort to recommit to the protection of human rights everywhere.” Jessica Stern, Executive Director, OutRight Action International concluded, “Over the last four years, LGBTQI people have been at the forefront of vicious attacks, our basic rights questioned in countries around the world & by the highest office in the US. This is precisely why we need the International Human Rights Defense Act LGBTQI people cannot be left to suffer because of changes in the White House. We need the IHRDA to ensure that the US protects & upholds LGBTQI rights as a consistent, integrated & essential foreign policy priority.”
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