Democrats Introduce Bill To Create Special International Envoy On LGBT Rights

Via Reuters:

U.S. lawmakers in both houses of Congress introduced on Thursday a bill to protect and promote the rights of the international lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community. The International Human Rights Defense Act, spearheaded by Sen. Edward Markey of Massachusetts and Rep. Alan Lowenthal of California, both Democrats, would appoint a special envoy within the U.S. Department of State to coordinate efforts to prevent discrimination and advance the rights of LGBT people worldwide. “When President Obama addressed the nation and committed to defending the human rights of the LGBT community, we made that commitment to the world,” Markey said in a statement, referring to the State of the Union address earlier this month. “With the rights of the LGBT community under attack around the globe, we must stand hand-in-hand with them in the struggle for recognition and equality everywhere," he said.

Markey introduced the same bill last year but it died in committee. Read the text of the International Human Rights Defense Act Of 2015 here.

Senate Bill Calls For Creation Of Special United States Envoy For LGBT Rights

Sen. Ed Markey (D-MA) has introduced a bill that would create a special US envoy for LGBT rights abroad. J. Lester Feder reports at Buzzfeed:

The bill, titled “The International Human Rights Defense Act,” was formally introduced in the Senate on Thursday along with more than 20 co-sponsors, all Democrats. “For the United States to hold true to our commitment to defending the human rights of all people around the world, we must stand with the LGBT community in their struggle for recognition and equality everywhere,” Markey said in a statement to BuzzFeed. “By fostering a coordinated effort across the federal government and relevant agencies, we can meet the enormous challenge before us and work to ensure equality for all people around the globe.” If it passes, this would signal how much U.S. foreign policy has changed under President Barack Obama. The diplomatic team of President George W. Bush had helped block efforts to make LGBT rights a priority for the human rights bodies of the United Nations.

The bill has already been endorsed by more than a dozen human rights groups including the HRC. It faces dim prospects in the House.

Sen. Ed Markey Writes To Russia

"I am especially concerned with the provision of the law that allows for the possible detention of foreign citizens for up to 14 days before they would be expelled from the country. Many members of international athletic delegations, their families, spectators, and support staff proudly identify as members of the LGBT community. I believe it is essential for them to both feel and be safe from arrest, detention, and other forms of discrimination while in Russia." - Sen. Ed Markey (D-MA), in a letter to Russian ambassador to the United States, Sergey Kislyak.

RELATED: The newest member of the Senate, Markey won the special election to replace John Kerry last month.

MASSACHUSETTS: Democrat Ed Markey Wins Special US Senate Election

Eighteen-term US House Rep. Ed Markey (D-MA) has won the special election to replace John Kerry in the Senate.

Markey beat Republican businessman Gabriel E. Gomez today in a special election for US Senate in Massachusetts that was marked by its brevity and by low voter interest. Gomez gave a concession speech shortly after 9:30 p.m., thanking his family and supporters. At the beginning of the race, he said, “Nobody knew who I was outside of Cohasset, a couple of Little League baseball teams, and the amazing people I worked with. But look at us now.” Markey had 55 percent of the votes, compared with 45 percent for Gomez, with 96 percent of precincts reporting.

Gomez, who has never held public office, campaigned as a moderate who supports same-sex marriage and background checks for gun purchases.  He also had a booth at this month's Boston Pride festival.

Former Rep. Barney Frank Endorses Rep. Ed Markey For Special Senate Election

Former Rep. Barney Frank, who still wants to be appointed interim Senator, has endorsed Rep. Ed Markey for the special election that will be held in several months assuming that John Kerry is confirmed for Secretary of State.

Markey was the first candidate to announce that he is running in the special election. Frank’s endorsement comes days after Kerry, Victoria Kennedy, the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee and other Democratic groups announced that they are backing Markey, in an apparent attempt to coalesce around one Democratic nominee and avoid a contentious primary. However, not all Democrats are ready to unite around Markey. U.S. Reps. Michael Capuano of Somerville and Stephen Lynch of South Boston and state Sen. Benjamin Downing of Pittsfield are all still considering running.

Markey has been a member of the House for 36 years. He has a 100% rating from the Human Rights Campaign.