Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus Celebrates House Passage of Global Respect Act
DATE: February 9, 2022
CONTACT: Shawn.Gaylord@mail.house.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus
Celebrates House Passage of Global Respect Act
Washington, D.C. – The Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus celebrates today's House passage of the Global Respect Act (HR 3485) with bipartisan support. This legislation, authored by Equality Caucus Chair David N. Cicilline, will prevent individuals who violate the human rights of LGBTQI+ people from entry into the United States.
"In the past few years, we have seen a dangerous trend of increasing violence targeting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex people and their families. In too many places, violence against LGBTQI+ communities is pervasive, and even sanctioned or directed by government officials," said Equality Caucus Chair David N. Cicilline (RI-01). "With today's vote, the House sent a strong message around the world that every member of the LGBTQI+ community deserves to live with dignity and free from violence, unlawful detention, torture, and other forms of brutality. This bill protects LGBTQI+ people from murder and torture and makes clear that abusers cannot act without consequence. This reaffirms America's longstanding commitment to human rights."
"LGBTQ human rights must be protected with the same vigor and international leadership as all human rights," said Equality Caucus Co-Chair Sean Patrick Maloney (NY-18). "Today, the House took an important step forward in protecting the rights of LGBTQ people around the world by ensuring those who abuse human rights are reported and not welcome in the United States."
"This bill is a victory for the LGBTQ community, not just here in the United States, but across the globe," said Equality Caucus Co-Chair Mark Pocan (WI-02). "The persecution of our community has gone on long enough and I'm proud that the United States is sending a clear message that there will be consequences if you engage in violating the human rights of members of the LGBTQ community. I applaud Equality Caucus Chair Cicilline for his advocacy and getting this bill across the finish line."
"Dignity, freedom, and equality, are all fundamental human rights that transcend location, and the Global Respect Act will prevent anyone who violates these rights from entering our country," said Equality Caucus Co-Chair Mark Takano (CA-41). "It's our responsibility to support the LGBTQ+ community at home and abroad – that starts with fighting back against the atrocious acts of violence that target LGBTQ+ individuals, and sanctioning the people who commit these acts. Passage of this legislation sends a clear message that we will not tolerate hate."
"It's important that the United States champions human rights across the globe and holds accountable those who target innocent people with violence, harassment or discrimination solely on the basis of their sexual identity," said Equality Caucus Co-Chair Angie Craig (MN-02). "Today, I'm proud to join my colleagues in passing the Global Respect Act, to ensure that every person is treated with respect and dignity – no matter where they live."
"Standing up for the LGBTQ+ community means upholding our values of dignity and respect across the globe. Proud to join my Equality Caucus colleagues and Chair Cicilline to support the Global Respect Act and send a clear message at home and abroad that we will not accept anything less," said Equality Caucus Co-Chair Sharice Davids (KS-03).
"Thousands of people around the world are targeted for harassment, attack, arrest, and murder because of their sexual orientation or gender identity each year," said Equality Caucus Co-Chair Chris Pappas (NH-01). "It is unacceptable that those who commit crimes against LGBTQ+ individuals often do so without repercussions or consequences. This legislation would ensure a measure of protection by banning anyone who has committed gross human rights violations against the LGBTQ+ community from entering the United States. There is still much more work that must be done to ensure equality and security for LGBTQ+ people in this country and across the globe, but this legislation brings us closer to achieving justice and holding those who violate the human rights of LGBTQ+ people accountable. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to take up and pass this legislation at once."
"LGBTQ+ rights are human rights, and it's long past time we recognize them as such," said Equality Caucus Co-Chair Mondaire Jones (NY-17). "Everyone deserves to be treated with respect and to live in dignity, and by passing the Global Respect Act today, we're taking a major step in affirming LGBTQ+ justice."
"The passage of the Global Respect Act sends a clear message that discrimination and hatred against LGBTQ people, no matter where it occurs, will not be tolerated by United States and that we will seek justice for victims of anti-LGBTQ violence. As a nation, we must continue to be a leader in advancing human rights worldwide and calling out injustices wherever they may exist," said Equality Caucus Chair Ritchie Torres (NY-15). "I applaud Congressman Cicilline for his leadership on this bipartisan legislation, and urge the Senate to take action."
Please contact Shawn Gaylord at 202-257-8416 or shawn.gaylord@mail.house.gov with press inquiries.
Founded in 2008, the mission of the Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus is to promote equality for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. The Caucus, which is led by the nine openly LGBTQ+ members of the House of Representatives, is strongly committed to achieving the full enjoyment of human rights for LGBTQ+ people in the U.S. and around the world.
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