SC Alaska News

U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Jeanne Shaheen have reintroduced the Global Respect Act, a bipartisan legislative effort aimed at imposing sanctions on foreign entities responsible for human rights violations against LGBTQ+ individuals. The bill is supported by a group of senators including Chris Murphy, Chris Van Hollen, Jeff Merkley, Cory Booker, Peter Welch, Brian Schatz, Edward Markey, Tammy Baldwin, and Ron Wyden.

Senator Murkowski emphasized the global danger faced by LGBTQ+ communities simply for existing. "Hate and violence cannot and should not be tolerated," she stated. She expressed hope that the legislation would establish consequences for human rights violations and contribute to creating a safer world.

Senator Shaheen highlighted the increased risk of harm to LGBTQI individuals in recent years. "Human rights...recognizes that global freedom, justice and peace depend on 'the inherent dignity' and 'the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family,'" she said. She stressed the importance of holding violators accountable.

The Global Respect Act proposes several measures: requiring biannual reports from the Executive Branch to Congress listing foreign persons involved in cruel or degrading treatment; authorizing visa denial or revocation for those listed; mandating inclusion of LGBTI international human rights in annual State Department reports; and appointing a senior officer to monitor violence based on sexual orientation or gender identity abroad.

Initially introduced by Senator Shaheen during the 114th Congress, the act has received endorsements from organizations such as Human Rights Campaign, Council for Global Equality, American Jewish World Service, and Human Rights First.