International Human Rights Defense Act of 2021
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (2 Apr 2021): Referred to the Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, and Global Human Rights.
What this bill does
H.R. 1201, the International Human Rights Defense Act of 2021, would establish a permanent Special Envoy for the Human Rights of LGBTQI Peoples within the Department of State. This envoy would serve as the primary advisor to the Secretary of State on human rights for LGBTQI individuals globally and represent the U.S. in diplomatic efforts concerning these rights. 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 legislation would affect the Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Development by authorizing them to provide assistance aimed at preventing and responding to such criminalization, discrimination, and violence against LGBTQI people abroad. Furthermore, it requires the Special Envoy to regularly report to Congress on a U.S. global strategy for these issues.
This bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on February 22, 2021, and referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. It has not advanced beyond this stage.
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 2021
This bill establishes in the Department of State a permanent Special Envoy for the Human Rights of LGBTQI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or intersex) Peoples who shall serve as the principal State Department advisor regarding human rights for LGBTQI people and represent the United States in diplomatic matters relevant to the human rights of LGBTQI people.
The special envoy shall periodically provide Congress with a U.S. global strategy to prevent and respond to criminalization, discrimination, and violence against LGBTQI people. The State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development may provide assistance to prevent and respond to such activities against LGBTQI 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
2 Apr 2021
Referred to the Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, and Global Human Rights.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 1201 do?
- H.R. 1201, the International Human Rights Defense Act of 2021, would establish a permanent Special Envoy for the Human Rights of LGBTQI Peoples within the Department of State. This envoy would serve as the primary advisor to the Secretary of State on human rights for LGBTQI individuals globally and represent the U.S. in diplomatic efforts concerning these rights. 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 legislation would affect the Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Development by authorizing them to provide assistance aimed at preventing and responding to such criminalization, discrimination, and violence against LGBTQI people abroad. Furthermore, it requires the Special Envoy to regularly report to Congress on a U.S. global strategy for these issues. This bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on February 22, 2021, and referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. It has not advanced beyond this stage.
- Has H.R. 1201 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 1201. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 1201?
- H.R. 1201 was sponsored by Rep. Lowenthal, Alan S. [D-CA-47] (D-CA), with 151 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 1201?
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, and Global Human Rights. (2 Apr 2021).
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More bills from Rep. Lowenthal, Alan S. [D-CA-47]
International Human Rights Defense Act of 2019
International Human Rights Defense Act of 2018
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