International Human Rights Defense Act

The International Human Rights Defense Act is a bill introduced in the U.S. Congress, most recently as the version of 2023, to build protection of LGBTQI+ rights into American diplomacy. It would direct the State Department to make preventing and responding to discrimination and violence against LGBTQI+ people a foreign policy priority. Its central provision permanently creates a Special Envoy for the Human Rights of LGBTQI+ Persons, who may hold the rank of Ambassador and acts as the Secretary of State's principal advisor on these issues. The Special Envoy would coordinate related policy across federal agencies, represent the U.S. in relevant diplomatic matters, and help ensure LGBTQI+ people seeking protection and resettlement are considered in policy. It has been introduced repeatedly but not enacted.