US lawmakers introduce bill to protect LGBT rights worldwide

US lawmakers have introduced a bill that would help protect LGBT rights worldwide.

The International Human Rights Defense Act – which has been sponsored by Sen Ed Markey of Massachusetts and Rep Alan Lowenthal of California – would create a group of representatives at the State Department who would help coordinate efforts to help prevent and respond to the discrimination of LGBT people around the world.

“When President Obama addressed the nation and committed to defending the human rights of the LGBT community, we made that commitment to the world,” said co-sponsor Markey. “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.”

The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) have praised the bill saying that it “sends a clear message” to those that don’t believe that gay rights are human rights.

“Members of Congress have sent a clear message to the State Department and the Obama administration that LGBT rights are human rights and that they support creation of a special envoy to help put an end to persecution of LGBT people,” said the HRC’s government affairs director.

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