On International Human Rights Day, Senators Markey, Shaheen and Merkley Introduce Legislation to Make United States the Global Leader in LGBTI Rights Protection

Statement

Today, as the United Nations commemorates the anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), members of the Foreign Relations Committee, introduced new legislation that presents a comprehensive vision for U.S. leadership on the promotion of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) rights globally. The Greater Leadership Overseas for the Benefit of Equality (GLOBE) Act affirms that the United States promotes equality and justice in its foreign policy; that hatred and violence against LGBTI persons will not be tolerated by the United States; and that the United States government believes LGBTI rights are human rights.

"We must recommit the United States to the defense of human rights globally. We must reorient our human rights foreign policy to be in line with U.S. values," said Senator Markey. "With the GLOBE Act, we reaffirm the United States' lead role as protectors and defenders of LGBTI rights, because LGBTI rights are human rights. American values call us to be allies, to stand up and protect LGBTI individuals, in spite of the Trump administration's attempts to narrow the government's human rights focus and exclude this community. I thank Senators Shaheen and Merkley for their partnership in this legislation, and I pledge to continuing fighting until LGBTI individuals have the human rights to which they are entitled."

"No one should ever have to live in fear of violence or oppression because of their sexual orientation or identity. Whenever the rights of the LGBTI community are threatened, the United States needs to stand up and hold those who are persecuting LGBTI individuals accountable for their actions," said Senator Shaheen. "The GLOBE Act sends a strong message to the international community -- LGBTI rights are human rights, and the United States will continue to defend those rights."

"We are living in a moment where threats to our LGBTQ family, friends, and neighbors are coming from the White House and governments around the world," said Senator Merkley. "That's completely unacceptable. Every person--regardless of who they are or whom they love--has the right to be treated with decency and respect. That's why I'm urging my colleagues to join us in passing the GLOBE Act, to send a clear message that the United States is committed to defending those rights for the American people and for people around the world."

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