Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Representative Robert Garcia (CA-42) today reintroduced the “International Human Rights Defense Act” (IHRDA) following the Supreme Court’s rejection of a challenge to the constitutional right to same-sex marriage. This bill would direct the State Department to monitor and respond to violence against LGBTQ+ people worldwide, while creating a comprehensive plan to combat discrimination, criminalization, and hate-motivated attacks against LGBTQ+ communities. The bill would also formally establish a Special Envoy to coordinate LGBTQ+ policies across the State Department; a role that has been vacant under the Trump administration.

“We must recommit the United States to the defense of human rights and the promotion of equality and justice around the world,” said Senator Markey. “It is as important as ever that we stand up and protect LGBTQ+ individuals from the Trump administration’s cruel attempts to further marginalize this community. I will continue to fight alongside LGBTQ+ individuals for a world that recognizes that LGBTQ+ rights are human rights.” 

he fact that same-sex marriage was challenged here in the United States shows that equality is never something we can take for granted,” said Congressman Garcia. “LGBTQ+ people here at home and around the world continue to face escalating violence, discrimination, and rollbacks of their rights, and we must act now. This bill will stand up for LGBTQ+ communities at home and abroad, and show the world that our nation can be a leader when it comes to protecting dignity and human rights once again.” 

— from a press release from the office of US Senator Edward Markey

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