Today, Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) made the following statement expressing his support for H.R. 590, the International Human Rights Defense Act of 2015.

“I am proud to be an original cosponsor of bicameral legislation introduced yesterday by Representative Alan Lowenthal (D-CA) and Senator Edward J. Markey (D-MA) that directs the State Department to make preventing and responding to discrimination and violence against the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community a foreign policy priority.   By creating a position within the Department of State tasked with coordinating the many government bureaus and agencies responsible for implementing these objectives, our nation has taken a significant step toward enforcing the principle that all human beings are entitled to fundamental human rights, including the right to choose the individuals they love.  

“While recent judicial rulings and legislative initiatives in our own nation have provided the LGBT community with protection under the law, over 80 nations abroad continue to enforce laws that criminalize homosexuality, including 7 countries in which homosexuality is punishable by death.  These policies, which serve to stifle support for LGBT individuals and promote homophobia, undermine the very foundations of a democratic society.

“Throughout my tenure in Congress, I have fought diligently to uphold and strengthen the rights of LGBT individuals, both at home and abroad, and have worked to support initiatives that foster greater tolerance and acceptance for all people, while helping to prevent discrimination and violence.  Intolerance against LGBT citizens and their families has no place in democratic discourse, and we must use this opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to promoting human rights both at home and abroad.  LGBT rights are human rights.”  

Congressman Alcee L. Hastings serves as Senior Member of the House Rules Committee, Ranking Democratic Member of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, and Democratic Chairman of the Florida Delegation.

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