International Human Rights Defense Act of 2021
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (24 Feb 2021): Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
What this bill does
The International Human Rights Defense Act of 2021, introduced in the Senate, 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 issues for LGBTQI individuals globally and would represent the U.S. in diplomatic discussions concerning these rights.
The bill also mandates that the Special Envoy develop and share with Congress a U.S. global strategy aimed at preventing and responding to criminalization, discrimination, and violence against LGBTQI people. Furthermore, it would require that annual country reports on human rights practices include specific information on these issues, based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
Additionally, the Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Development would be authorized to provide assistance to address such problems. The bill has been introduced and referred to the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.
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
24 Feb 2021
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
Common questions
- What does S. 424 do?
- The International Human Rights Defense Act of 2021, introduced in the Senate, 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 issues for LGBTQI individuals globally and would represent the U.S. in diplomatic discussions concerning these rights. The bill also mandates that the Special Envoy develop and share with Congress a U.S. global strategy aimed at preventing and responding to criminalization, discrimination, and violence against LGBTQI people. Furthermore, it would require that annual country reports on human rights practices include specific information on these issues, based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Additionally, the Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Development would be authorized to provide assistance to address such problems. The bill has been introduced and referred to the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.
- Has S. 424 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for S. 424. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored S. 424?
- S. 424 was sponsored by Sen. Markey, Edward J. [D-MA] (D-MA), with 42 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 424?
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (24 Feb 2021).
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