House passes bill seeking to further protect LGBTQ rights around the world

Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Equality Flag flying in front of the United States Capitol
Photo: Wikimedia Commons

In a bipartisan vote today, the U.S. House of Representatives approved a bill that enhances the United States’ commitment to protecting LGBTQ rights around the world.

Introduced by out gay Rep. David Cicilline (D-RI), co-chair of the LGBTQ Equality Caucus, the Global Respect Act would prohibit those who have committed LGBTQ human rights abuses abroad from obtaining a visa to enter the United States.

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The legislation would apply to both state and individual actors and would also enshrine into law policies already in place in the State Department (DOS) regarding required reporting of LGBTQ human rights abuses.

“By passing this legislation that would restrict people who engage in these terrible abuses from entering the U.S., we can send a message that our country stands with the LGBTQ+ people of every nation and won’t stop fighting for their freedom and equal rights,” said David Stacy, Government Affairs Director for the Human Rights Campaign (HRC).

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) also celebrated the 227-206 vote, saying that the House…

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