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H.R. 1857·116th Congress·House Bill

International Human Rights Defense Act of 2019

Stage not supplied

The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.

Latest action (25 Mar 2019): Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

What this bill does

The International Human Rights Defense Act of 2019 proposes establishing a permanent Special Envoy within the Department of State. This envoy would advise the Secretary of State on human rights issues affecting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) individuals globally and represent the U.S. in related diplomatic matters. The bill also mandates that annual country reports on human rights include information on criminalization, discrimination, and violence based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

The Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Development would be authorized to provide assistance to counter such discrimination and violence. The Special Envoy would also be responsible for providing Congress with a U.S. global strategy to prevent and respond to these issues. This act aims to address violence and discrimination faced by LGBTI people worldwide.

This bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on March 25, 2019, and was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. As of its introduction, it had not advanced further in the legislative process.

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 2019

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 bill also requires that annual country reports on human rights practices include information on criminalization, discrimination, and violence based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

Timeline

  1. 25 Mar 2019

    Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Common questions

What does H.R. 1857 do?
The International Human Rights Defense Act of 2019 proposes establishing a permanent Special Envoy within the Department of State. This envoy would advise the Secretary of State on human rights issues affecting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) individuals globally and represent the U.S. in related diplomatic matters. The bill also mandates that annual country reports on human rights include information on criminalization, discrimination, and violence based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Development would be authorized to provide assistance to counter such discrimination and violence. The Special Envoy would also be responsible for providing Congress with a U.S. global strategy to prevent and respond to these issues. This act aims to address violence and discrimination faced by LGBTI people worldwide. This bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on March 25, 2019, and was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. As of its introduction, it had not advanced further in the legislative process.
Has H.R. 1857 become law?
The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 1857. Check the latest action and official source below.
Who sponsored H.R. 1857?
H.R. 1857 was sponsored by Rep. Lowenthal, Alan S. [D-CA-47] (D-CA), with 214 cosponsors.
What's the latest action on H.R. 1857?
Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. (25 Mar 2019).

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