December 13, 2018

Today, following the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Rep. Dina Titus of Nevada’s First Congressional District led a group of members in introducing the Greater Leadership Overseas for the Benefit of Equality (GLOBE) Act to outline a vision for U.S. leadership in the protection of the rights of LGBTI individuals around the world. 

“LGBTI individuals continue to face violence, hatred, and discrimination around the globe,” Congresswoman Titus, a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said. “We in Congress will not stand idly by as the Administration fails to acknowledge and respond to the plight of vulnerable populations, including LGBTI people. The GLOBE Act builds on the accomplishments of the Obama Administration and the work of various members, groups, and coalitions to establish a broad set of directives to reinstate our leadership in advancing equality.” 

“No one should face murder, torture, detention or discrimination because of who they are and whom they love, but sadly it happens far too often around the world.  This bill sends a clear message that we all must protect the freedom and dignity of all human beings and to stand up against hatred and prejudice.  I am glad to join Representatives Titus, Cicilline, and Lowenthal in introducing this important bill that demonstrates our American values and leadership globally.”-Congressman Eliot Engel (NY-16), Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee

“I’m pleased to be joining Congresswoman Titus, Ranking Member Engel, and my other colleagues to introduce the GLOBE Act to ensure that the United States is leading the way in the fight for international LGBTI rights. The important measures in this legislation will help ensure that members of the LGBTI community around the world are able to live with dignity and freedom, and that those who commit violence against the LGBTI community receive the clear message that their actions won’t be tolerated. At a time of rising authoritarianism and crackdowns against LGBTI communities around the world, the GLOBE Act is needed more than ever.”- Congressman David Cicilline (RI-01)

“I am proud to work with Rep. Titus on this important legislation. We have accomplished a great deal toward full equality in the Unites States, and while we have much more to do, it has never been more critical that we serve as a beacon of hope for the rest of the world when it comes to protections for the LGBTQ community. It is the duty of Congress to take the lead to ensure that we as a nation are promoting equality across the globe, regardless of whether or not the Executive Branch steps forward—which it has not done. LGBTQ rights are human rights, and should be the concern of all humanity.” – Congressman Alan Lowenthal (CA-47)

“Congress cannot stand by as LGBTI individuals around the world continue to face bigotry, hate, and intolerance on a daily basis," said Rep. Zoe Lofgren (CA-19), the Ranking Member on the Subcommittee on Immigration and Border Security. “For far too long our immigration laws have failed to adequately protect and recognize the rights of the LGBTI community. The GLOBE Act will go a long way towards restoring the United States position as a leader in offering safety and protection to vulnerable populations around the world.”

Mark Bromley, Chair of the Council for Global Equality, noted that “this bill is a fitting tribute to International Human Rights Day and to the 70th anniversary of U.S. leadership in support of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.  It affirms that countries that persecute their LGBTI citizens share neither our values nor the commitment to democratic principles that is in our country’s strategic interests.  We applaud this effort and urge bipartisan support for this bill.”

"While Donald Trump and Mike Pence remain recklessly silent on anti-LGBTQ atrocities around the globe, it’s crucial that the United States Congress fill the void and make clear LGBTQ rights are human rights,” said HRC Government Affairs Director David Stacy. "Congress must send a powerful message that the United States will continue to be a global leader in advancing the human rights of all people — including LGBTQ people. We thank Rep. Titus for her important leadership on this issue." 

This legislation codifies Obama Administration tools aimed at promoting LGBTI equality globally, including LGBTI-specific reporting in human rights reports and filling the now-vacant Special Envoy for LGBTI Human Rights position at the State Department; endorses the selective use of existing sanctions to punish those responsible for egregious murders of and abuses directed at LGBTI populations; ensures that U.S. foreign assistance and global health programs are inclusive of LGBTI populations, and, therefore, effectively reach most-at-risk populations; makes decriminalization of LGBTI status a goal in U.S. rule-of-law programs abroad; ensures fair access to asylum and refugee programs for LGBTI persons who face persecution because of their orientation or identities; calls for U.S. government leadership in multilateral consideration of these issues; and underscores that the State Department should deepen efforts to ensure that LGBTI diplomatic personnel and their families are “world-wide available” in the same manner that their straight colleagues are.

The GLOBE Act is endorsed by Human Rights Campaign, the Council for Global Equality, Human Rights First, Center for American Progress, Center for Health and Gender Equity (CHANGE), Amnesty International USA, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, interACT: Advocates for Intersex Youth, OutRight International, GLAAD, American Jewish World Service (AJWS), National Center for Lesbian Rights, Church World Service, Immigration Equality Action Fund, and Human Rights Watch.

A section-by-section [[{"fid":"588","view_mode":"default","fields":{"format":"default"},"link_text":"summary ","type":"media","field_deltas":{"2":{"format":"default"}},"attributes":{"class":"media-element file-default","data-delta":"2"}}]]and GLOBE Act_0.pdfof the bill are attached.

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