CONGRESS FOR VOTERS

Edward Markey (D-MA)

International Human Rights Defense Act of 2025

S. 3426 · Senate bill International Affairs

A Democratic bill with 35 Democratic cosponsors · See all 36 cosponsors

Last activity — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

In committee

Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.

The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.

Its path through Congress

  1. Introduced
  2. In Committee

What this bill would do

This bill, known as the "International Human Rights Defense Act of 2025," seeks to establish a permanent Special Envoy for the Human Rights of LGBTQI+ People within the Department of State. This Special Envoy would hold the rank of Ambassador and serve as the principal advisor to the Secretary of State on international human rights issues affecting these communities. The legislation directs the development of a global strategy to prevent and respond to criminalization, discrimination, and violence. It also aims to integrate these protections into broader United States foreign policy and coordination efforts. Additionally, the bill mandates updates to annual human rights reports to include specific data on these issues.

Yes· 3 of 6

  • Scored +10

    Would LGBTQ people be better off under this?

    The act creates a dedicated high-level diplomatic role to combat discrimination, violence, and criminalization of LGBTQI+ people.

  • Scored +10

    Does this expand the rights of LGBTQ people?

    The bill establishes a permanent Special Envoy to protect and advance the human rights of LGBTQI+ people globally.

  • Scored +6

    Would immigrants be better off under this?

    The bill specifically addresses the protection and resettlement needs of LGBTQI+ asylum seekers.

The opposite

No question was scored the opposite.