Global Respect Act of 2025

This bill aims to hold foreign abusers of LGBTQI people accountable. It requires the President to publish and keep updating a public list of foreign individuals who torture, disappear, detain without charge, or otherwise deny basic safety and freedom to people because of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or sex characteristics. Credible tips can come from other countries and nonprofits that track human rights abuses. People on the list would be denied U.S. visas, have existing visas revoked, and be removed from the United States. There are narrow national security and treaty-based waivers. The State Department and Homeland Security must issue rules to carry this out. The President can also keep some names in a classified annex if needed for national security, but the goal is public accountability. Congress can request reviews of specific names, and the public will get guidance on how to submit information.

The bill also strengthens tracking and reporting. A senior State Department official would monitor violence, criminalization, and limits on basic freedoms based on sexual orientation or gender identity in other countries. The State Department’s annual human rights reports would add details about such violence or discrimination. The administration must report yearly to Congress on how many people are added or removed from the sanctions list and efforts to coordinate with other countries. Congress urges the President to use other existing tools for additional targeted sanctions.

• Who is affected

  • Foreign individuals who commit serious anti-LGBTQI abuses: can be listed, banned from U.S. entry, and removed if present.
  • U.S. agencies (State and Homeland Security): must set rules and enforce visa bans and removals.
  • Public and NGOs: can submit credible information for review.

• What changes

  • A public, regularly updated list of offenders; some names may be classified for security reasons.
  • Mandatory visa bans and revocations, with limited waivers.
  • New tracking and expanded human rights reporting about anti-LGBTQI actions abroad.

• When

  • First list due 180 days after enactment, then every 180 days; related regulations due within 180 days. Annual reports to Congress begin one year after enactment.