International Human Rights Defense Act of 2018
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (7 Jun 2018): Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
What this bill does
S. 3020, the International Human Rights Defense Act of 2018, would direct the Secretary of State to create a permanent Special Envoy for the Human Rights of LGBTI Peoples within the State Department's Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor. This envoy, appointed by the President, would advise the Secretary of State, coordinate related U.S. government programs and funding, represent the U.S. in diplomatic settings on these issues, and consult with outside organizations. The bill also requires periodic briefings to Congress, development of an annual U.S. global strategy on the issue, and amendments to existing law requiring the State Department's annual human rights and arms-transfer reports to include information on laws and practices in other countries that criminalize or discriminate based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
The bill would primarily affect the State Department and USAID, which would gain new coordination duties, reporting requirements, and authority to fund related programs abroad. It would not directly regulate individuals or businesses in the United States, but it references U.S. foreign assistance and diplomatic engagement affecting LGBTI people internationally, and it also states a policy goal of ensuring that people facing persecution for being LGBTI or supporting LGBTI rights can seek protection in the United States.
The bill was introduced in the Senate on June 7, 2018, by Senator Edward Markey with 21 cosponsors, and was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. It did not receive a committee vote or further action before the end of the 115th Congress, so it did not become law.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
International Human Rights Defense Act of 2018
This bill establishes in the Department of State a permanent Special Envoy for the Human Rights of LGBTI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or intersex) Peoples who shall serve as the principal State Department advisor regarding human rights for LGBTI people and represent the United States in diplomatic matters relevant to the human rights of LGBTI people.
The special envoy shall periodically provide Congress with a U.S. global strategy to prevent and respond to criminalization, discrimination, and violence against LGBTI people. The State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development may provide assistance to prevent and respond to such activities against LGBTI people.
The Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 is amended to require that annual country reports on human rights practices include information on criminalization, discrimination, and violence based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
Timeline
7 Jun 2018
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
Common questions
- What does S. 3020 do?
- S. 3020, the International Human Rights Defense Act of 2018, would direct the Secretary of State to create a permanent Special Envoy for the Human Rights of LGBTI Peoples within the State Department's Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor. This envoy, appointed by the President, would advise the Secretary of State, coordinate related U.S. government programs and funding, represent the U.S. in diplomatic settings on these issues, and consult with outside organizations. The bill also requires periodic briefings to Congress, development of an annual U.S. global strategy on the issue, and amendments to existing law requiring the State Department's annual human rights and arms-transfer reports to include information on laws and practices in other countries that criminalize or discriminate based on sexual orientation or gender identity. The bill would primarily affect the State Department and USAID, which would gain new coordination duties, reporting requirements, and authority to fund related programs abroad. It would not directly regulate individuals or businesses in the United States, but it references U.S. foreign assistance and diplomatic engagement affecting LGBTI people internationally, and it also states a policy goal of ensuring that people facing persecution for being LGBTI or supporting LGBTI rights can seek protection in the United States. The bill was introduced in the Senate on June 7, 2018, by Senator Edward Markey with 21 cosponsors, and was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. It did not receive a committee vote or further action before the end of the 115th Congress, so it did not become law.
- Has S. 3020 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for S. 3020. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored S. 3020?
- S. 3020 was sponsored by Sen. Markey, Edward J. [D-MA] (D-MA), with 36 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 3020?
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (7 Jun 2018).
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