Bill > S3426

This bill, titled the "International Human Rights Defense Act of 2025," establishes a permanent Special Envoy for the Human Rights of LGBTQI+ People within the Department of State, who will be appointed at the rank of Ambassador and will lead U.S. government efforts to address human rights abuses against LGBTQI+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or intersex) individuals globally. The bill outlines a comprehensive policy for the United States to prevent and respond to criminalization, discrimination, and violence based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or sex characteristics internationally, including integrating these concerns into foreign policy, supporting local capacity building, and coordinating with non-governmental organizations. It also mandates that the Special Envoy develop and update a global strategy to address these issues, brief Congress on the status of LGBTQI+ human rights abroad, and ensure that U.S. foreign assistance programs are designed to protect and empower LGBTQI+ people. Furthermore, the bill requires the Department of State's annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices to include detailed information on the criminalization, discrimination, and violence faced by LGBTQI+ individuals in other nations, and authorizes assistance to foreign countries to combat these issues and improve health sector responses, including efforts to combat HIV/AIDS. The bill defines key terms such as "gender identity," "intersex," "LGBTQI+," and "sexual orientation" to ensure clarity in its implementation.