Should the US prohibit the entry of those who have committed human rights violations against LGBTQ+ people?
This bill would prevent individuals who violate the rights of LGBTQ+ people from entering the US. The bill requires the President to compile and periodically update a list of foreign people responsible for such human rights violations and apply sanctions. The bill also requires the US Department of State to designate a senior officer to track violence and discrimination directed at LGBTQ+ people in foreign countries.
Sponsor: Rep. David Cicilline (Democrat, Rhode Island, District 1)
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How do you feel?
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Opponents say
• "[The Global Respect Act] creates a separate parallel reporting mechanism that is focused not on human rights at all, but rather on the targeted human rights of particular groups. By creating a public list only for LGBTQI human rights violations, the bill incentivizes state and NGOs to focus more on those violations than on others. I don’t see why sanctions for this specific category should take precedence over or be superior to resources taken away from other human rights violations. Furthermore, the bill’s broad language has the potential to sweep in non-violent conduct and impose visa restrictions on individuals engaged in their conduct." Source: Rep. Claudia Tenney (Republican, New York, District 22)
• "[The Global Respect Act] undermines religious liberty and freedom of speech by advancing a far-left, controversial gender ideology that amounts to ideological colonialism against countries and cultures that uphold traditional beliefs…It’s also unnecessary. The Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act and other human rights statutes already provide for imposing visa restrictions and other sanctions on international human rights violators, regardless of the abusers’ rationale for committing abuses." Source: Heritage Foundation
Proponents say
• "The United States needs to stand as an advocate for oppressed and marginalized communities across the world. That’s why I’m pleased this bill is moving to the House floor and bringing us one step closer to imposing real penalties on anyone who abuses the human rights of LGBTI people." Source: Rep. David Cicilline (Democrat, Rhode Island, District 1)
• "The United States must confront the rise of hate by leading the free world in ensuring the tenants of human rights rise higher. Today, millions of LGBTQI+ persons face threats to their safety because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. In a wide swath of countries, LGBTQI+ persons are subject to punishments that range from fines, arrest, assault, to even execution. And while many countries have made great strides in welcoming their LGBTQI+ neighbors, other countries sadly appear to be backsliding…so I support this very important bill." Source: Rep. Gregory Meeks (Democrat, New York, District 5)
