International Human Rights Defense Act of 2019
Latest action (25 Mar 2019): Introduced
What this bill does
S. 861, the International Human Rights Defense Act of 2019, would direct the Secretary of State to establish a permanent Special Envoy for the Human Rights of LGBTI Peoples within the State Department's Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor. The Special Envoy, appointed by the President, would advise the Secretary of State on LGBTI human rights issues abroad, direct related State Department activities and funding, coordinate with other federal agencies and USAID, represent the U.S. in diplomatic settings on these issues, and consult with nongovernmental organizations. The bill also sets out a broader U.S. policy statement on addressing criminalization, discrimination, and violence against LGBTI people internationally, and requires the Bureau to serve as a data repository tracking related U.S. government programs and spending.
The bill primarily affects the State Department's organizational structure and foreign policy operations, along with USAID's coordination on related development programs. It would also create reporting obligations, requiring the Special Envoy to brief Congress within 180 days of enactment and annually thereafter on the global status of LGBTI human rights and related U.S. programs, and to develop or update a five-year U.S. global strategy on the issue, submitted to Congress and, where practicable, made public.
The bill was introduced on March 25, 2019, by Senator Edward Markey (D-MA) with 18 cosponsors, and referred to the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. It did not receive a committee vote or further action before the end of the 116th Congress, meaning 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 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.
Common questions
- What does S. 861 do?
- S. 861, the International Human Rights Defense Act of 2019, would direct the Secretary of State to establish a permanent Special Envoy for the Human Rights of LGBTI Peoples within the State Department's Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor. The Special Envoy, appointed by the President, would advise the Secretary of State on LGBTI human rights issues abroad, direct related State Department activities and funding, coordinate with other federal agencies and USAID, represent the U.S. in diplomatic settings on these issues, and consult with nongovernmental organizations. The bill also sets out a broader U.S. policy statement on addressing criminalization, discrimination, and violence against LGBTI people internationally, and requires the Bureau to serve as a data repository tracking related U.S. government programs and spending. The bill primarily affects the State Department's organizational structure and foreign policy operations, along with USAID's coordination on related development programs. It would also create reporting obligations, requiring the Special Envoy to brief Congress within 180 days of enactment and annually thereafter on the global status of LGBTI human rights and related U.S. programs, and to develop or update a five-year U.S. global strategy on the issue, submitted to Congress and, where practicable, made public. The bill was introduced on March 25, 2019, by Senator Edward Markey (D-MA) with 18 cosponsors, and referred to the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. It did not receive a committee vote or further action before the end of the 116th Congress, meaning it did not become law.
- Has S. 861 become law?
- Not yet. As of 25 Mar 2019, S. 861 is introduced.
- Who sponsored S. 861?
- S. 861 was sponsored by Sen. Edward “Ed” Markey [D-MA] (Democrat-MA), with 40 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 861?
- Introduced (25 Mar 2019).
Related bills in International Affairs
Directing the President, pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution, to remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities with Iran.
Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026
A resolution honoring 35 years of independence for the countries of Central Asia and recognizing the importance of the United States growing relationship with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
Foreign Service Modernization Act
Bill100 mirrors the public U.S. legislative record from Congress.gov and GovTrack and adds plain-English AI summaries. It is an information tool, not legal, compliance or lobbying advice, and it is not affiliated with the U.S. Congress or any government agency. AI summaries can simplify or omit detail — every bill links to the official source; verify there before you rely on it.