Washington, D.C. - Today the House of Representatives voted to pass the Global Respect Act, legislation that builds on existing human rights related sanctions authorities to ensure that human rights abusers are held accountable.

Rep. Titus, a member of the LGBTQI+ Equality Caucus, is an original cosponsor of the Global Respect Act and many of its provisions are included in the Congresswoman's GLOBE Act. Rep. Titus delivered the following remarks on the House floor:

“Since the Supreme Court’s landmark decision legalizing same-sex marriage in 2015, we have sought out domestic opportunities to ensure that individuals’ basic rights are not infringed upon simply because of their sexual orientation. And while we have made some progress here at home, we must look beyond our own borders. 

“I was grateful to be an original cosponsor on this bipartisan legislation which will impose visa-blocking sanctions on foreign persons responsible for, or complicit in, violating the human rights of individuals due to sexual orientation or gender identity. 

“My own legislation, the GLOBE Act, would take a step further to assert U.S. global leadership on LGBTQI+ issues and provide the Administration the tools to defend those rights around the world.

“My legislation includes aspects of the Global Respect Act, and I believe together they will send a strong signal to the global LGBTQI+ community that the U.S. stands ready to protect their rights around the world and punish those who threaten their freedoms.”

Full remarks delivered on the House floor by Rep. Titus can be found here.