Ahead of the Summit for Democracy, Rep. Garcia, Sen. Markey, Introduce International Human Rights Defense Act, Congressman Garcia’s Inaugural Bill

Washington D.C. – Ahead of the second international Summit for Democracy co-hosted by the United States, Congressman Robert Garcia alongside Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Congresswoman Sara Jacobs (CA-51) today introduced the International Human Rights Defense Act to reaffirm the U.S.’s role in protecting and promoting LGBTQ+ rights. This is Congressman Garcia’s inaugural bill that exemplifies his commitment to fighting for the LGBTQ+ community. This Act would ensure that future administrations continue upholding LGBTQI+ rights by directing the State Department to document and respond to bias-motivated violence against LGBTQ+ people abroad and implement a national strategy to prevent and respond to criminalization, discrimination, and violence against LGBTQ+ communities.  A reported 69 countries have enacted laws that criminalize homosexuality, underscoring the need for U.S. leadership to address growing threats faced by LGBTQ+ communities. The bill can be found here.

“As the first gay immigrant in Congress, I know firsthand how important it is to uphold basic human rights for our LGBTQI+ community. As nations gather for the Summit for Democracy it is imperative that we make clear that a healthy democracy is one that respects and protects the rights of all its citizens regardless of their identity. I look forward to continuing to ensure that our country and our allies are upholding human rights for all.” said Congressman Robert Garcia. 

“The rise of anti-LGBTQI+ rhetoric and violence isn’t just happening in the United States, it’s happening all around the world,” said Congresswoman Sara Jacobs, Vice Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus. “That’s why we need to make it clear that the United States doesn’t tolerate this hatred and discrimination. Our bicameral legislation takes a clear position declaring that we are in solidarity with the LGBTQI+ community in the United States and around the world and that we’ll continue to push for human rights, equality, and justice for all people – no matter who they are or who they love.”

“As representatives from more than a hundred nations gather for this year’s Summit for Democracy, the United States must make clear to its partners that LGBTQI+ rights are human rights, and human rights are the foundation of a strong and healthy democracy,” said Senator Markey. “We have a moral obligation to safeguard the freedom and fundamental rights of LGBTQI+ communities around the world stage, and ensure the U.S. is unwavering in its commitment to upholding human rights for all people.”

“The data is clear: there is an undeniable correlation between healthy democracy and LGBTQI+ human rights. As nations are measured to be more democratic, lived, and legislative LGBTQI+ realities improve. Where LGBTQI+ citizens report greater safety and security, democracy writ large is stronger, more resilient, and more inclusive. At a critical time when authoritarian forces target vulnerable LGBTQI+ communities at home and abroad, this bill ensures U.S. support for democracy around the globe with the policies and infrastructure to strengthen the leadership and rights of LGBTQI+ communities worldwide.”  said Beirne Roose-Snyder, Senior Policy Fellow at the Council for Global Equality.

“The State Department’s Special Envoy for the Human Rights of LGBTQI+ Peoples has been essential in advancing the work of protecting LGBTQI+ people all over the world. At a time when LGBTQI+ people are facing violence, persecution and even outright bans on existence in some countries, the position of the Special Envoy is indispensable to combat these trends on the international stage. The International Human Rights Defense Act, which would ensure that LGBTQI+ rights are a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy and make this position a permanent part of the State Department, would signal to the world that the U.S. has an ongoing commitment to working on these issues, even as administrations come and go. We thank Senator Markey and Representatives Garcia and Jacobs for introducing this very important piece of legislation.” said David Stacy, Human Rights Campaign Government Affairs Director

Congressman Garcia immigrated to the United States as a young child and was raised in Southern California, becoming a proud U.S. citizen in his 20's. He holds an M.A. from the University of Southern California and an Ed.D. in Higher Education from Cal State Long Beach, where he also earned his B.A. in Communications. Congressman Garcia believes in defending our democracy, leveling the playing field with progressive education policy, addressing the climate crisis, supporting working families with increasing wages, and fighting to expand and protect essential rights for women, immigrants, and the LGBTQI+ community. 

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