WASHINGTON–U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) joined U.S. Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) on Thursday to reintroduce the Greater Leadership Overseas for the Benefit of Equality (GLOBE) Act, legislation outlining a comprehensive vision for the United States to uphold and defend international LGBTQ rights. Specifically, the GLOBE Act would ensure equality and justice are critical components of U.S. foreign policy, reaffirm that the United States will not tolerate any discrimination, hatred, and violence against LGBTQ persons around the world, and develop assistance and immigration programs for LGBTQ individuals abroad. 

The legislation would also make permanent the office of the Special Envoy for the Human Rights of LGBTQ Persons, which President Joe Biden established early in his term, as well as ensure that future administrations continue to uphold LGBTQ rights on the world stage by directing the State Department to document and respond to bias-motivated violence against LGBTQ people abroad and implement a comprehensive strategy to prevent and respond to criminalization, discrimination, and violence against LGBTQ people. The GLOBE Act also calls on the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to establish a permanent Senior LGBTQ Coordinator responsible for coordinating across the agency with respect to inclusive development programming.
 
"Around the world – including in the United States – LGBTQ rights are under attack. If we want to be a global leader on human rights, then we have to stand up for those who are being persecuted simply for who they are. I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing legislation that would help protect the rights and freedoms of the LGBTQ community worldwide,” said Murphy.

“As LGBTQI+ people face rising discrimination here at home, we must use Pride Month as an opportunity to affirm our commitment to freedom and equality – regardless of gender or sexual orientation – for every person, from Utah to Uganda,” said Markey. “Across the globe, LGBTQI+ people continue to be persecuted, jailed and murdered for simply expressing who they are or who they love. LGBTQI+ rights are human rights, and the GLOBE Act will empower the United States to protect the fundamental rights of freedom, equality, and justice for all people.”
 
“Across the world, LGBTQ+ communities face discrimination, imprisonment, violence and in extreme cases, the death penalty. These communities should be free to express who they are, love who they love and enjoy all the same basic human rights as anyone else,” said Shaheen. “I am proud to support the GLOBE Act, legislation that would help to ensure LGBTQ+ communities are supported and granted equal protections regardless of where they live. This Pride month, we have the opportunity to save lives through meaningful, sustained action and I urge my colleagues to join us.”

“We are living in a time in which governments around the world continue to make dangerous threats against our LGBTQI+ family, friends, and neighbors,” said Merkley. “America cannot remain silent in the face of that discrimination and abuse. Every person—regardless of who they are, whom they love, or where they live—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 these critical human rights.”

“I’m reintroducing this legislation because LGBTQ+ people around the world continue to face discrimination, bigotry, and violence, with Uganda’s tragic Anti-Homosexuality Act a recent and stark reminder,” said Titus. “Watchdog organizations, advocacy groups, and international investigative bodies continually document hostility toward LGBTQ+ people in every part of the world. We must take this opportunity to lead by example and encourage other countries to do the same.”

“The fight for equality doesn’t stop at our borders, and our foreign policy should reflect that. Our bill will help our State Department better protect and defend LGBTQI+ rights around the world,” said Schatz.

U.S Senators Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), and Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), and Patty Murray (D-Wash.) are cosponsors.

Specifically, the GLOBE Act: 

  • Codifies the State Department Special Envoy for the Human Rights of LGBTQ Persons in law;
  • Calls on the Administrator of USAID to establish a permanent Senior LGBTQ Coordinator who will coordinate across the agency with respect to LGBTQ inclusive development programming;
  • Requires the State Department to document human rights abuses and discrimination against LGBTQ people around the world;
  • Restricts entry into the United States for foreign individuals responsible for abuse and murder of LGBTQ populations;
  • Ensures fair access to asylum and refugee programs for LGBTQ individuals;
  • Requires engagement with international organizations, including the United Nations and the World Bank, to protect international LGBTQ rights; and,
  • Protects the rights of U.S. LGBTQ citizens serving their countries overseas at diplomatic and consular posts.

The GLOBE Act is endorsed by Amnesty International USA, American Jewish World Service, Anti-Defamation League, Center for Biological Diversity, Council for Global Equality, Equality California, Equimundo, Foreign Policy for America, Gender Action, Heartland Alliance International, Human Rights Campaign, Ipas, MADRE, MPact Global Action, National Center for Transgender Equality, ORAM - Organization for Refuge, Asylum and Migration, Outright International, Oxfam America, Pathfinder International, PFLAG National, Rainbow Railroad, Silver State Equality, The Global Justice Institute, and The International Institute on Race, Equality and Human Rights.

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