Bill Overview
Title: Global Respect Act
Description: This bill imposes visa-blocking sanctions on foreign persons responsible for or complicit in violating the human rights of individuals due to actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity, or sex characteristics. The President must report and periodically update a list of foreign persons responsible for such human rights violations and apply sanctions accordingly. The Department of State must designate at least one senior officer who shall be responsible for tracking violence and discrimination against individuals based on actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity, or sex characteristics in foreign countries.
Sponsors: Rep. Cicilline, David N. [D-RI-1]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals affected by human rights violations based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or sex characteristics
Estimated Size: 1000
- The bill addresses human rights violations against individuals based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or sex characteristics. This suggests the target population includes LGBTQ+ individuals worldwide.
- The bill involves the imposition of visa-blocking sanctions, which could affect individuals in government or positions of power in foreign countries who are identified as violators.
- The focus on tracking violence and discrimination indicates ongoing monitoring of countries with poor records on LGBTQ+ rights, impacting these populations directly and potentially improving conditions through justice measures.
Reasoning
- The policy directly targets foreign individuals who violate the human rights of the LGBTQ+ community, impacting them through the potential reduction in international violence and improved diplomatic support. American citizens are indirectly impacted through enhanced safety and advocacy for global rights.
- LGBTQ+ individuals in the U.S. may feel an increase in perceived safety and empowerment due to U.S. diplomatic actions standing against human rights violations abroad.
- As the policy involves complex international relationships, individuals in government and NGOs working in advocacy roles may have significant changes in their work environment.
- Given the budget constraints, the policy's reach will be limited and direct effects on American individuals will largely be ideological or tangential.
- Therefore, the population that experiences a direct effect in the U.S. is relatively small and primarily includes activists or those with international family connections.
Simulated Interviews
Human Rights Activist (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I support this policy because it shows the U.S. is taking a stand against international human rights abuses.
- I'm hopeful that this will lead to more protection for LGBTQ+ individuals globally.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
State Department Employee (New York, NY)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy will increase my workload but in a meaningful way.
- It demonstrates our commitment to global human rights.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Tech Industry Professional (Chicago, IL)
Age: 28 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy seems positive, but I'm not sure how impactful it will truly be abroad.
- Any step towards global equality is a win.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
College Student (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 21 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This is inspiring for my future career.
- Sanctions could bring some change, but monitoring its effectiveness will be crucial.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Teacher (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 39 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy is reassuring as a parent.
- It seems like a diplomatic way to support LGBTQ+ causes globally.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Lawyer (Houston, TX)
Age: 52 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The impact on my clients could be significant.
- It adds more layers to international legal dealings, which might be challenging but also progressive.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
International Aid Worker (Miami, FL)
Age: 26 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This aligns with my work and beliefs, showing a global commitment.
- I hope it leads to real change in the regions where I work.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Corporate Manager (Denver, CO)
Age: 33 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm largely indifferent to these issues, but it's good the U.S. is involved.
- I don't see a direct impact on my life.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
NGO Worker (Seattle, WA)
Age: 49 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- These sanctions could open doors for more cooperative international advocacy.
- It may create some diplomatic tensions, but it seems like a step forward.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Freelance Writer (Portland, OR)
Age: 37 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy gives me hope for better news stories in the future.
- Anything that puts pressure on human rights abusers is good news.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $5000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $7000000)
Year 2: $5100000 (Low: $3100000, High: $7100000)
Year 3: $5200000 (Low: $3200000, High: $7200000)
Year 5: $5400000 (Low: $3400000, High: $7400000)
Year 10: $6000000 (Low: $4000000, High: $8000000)
Year 100: $10000000 (Low: $8000000, High: $12000000)
Key Considerations
- The policy aids in international human rights enforcement specifically targeting abuses related to sexual orientation and gender identity.
- Implementation can strain diplomatic relations with countries where listed violators have strong governmental support.
- Ongoing costs include staffing and systems to maintain and report on human rights infringement lists.