Sec. 12. Representing the rights of LGBTQI United States citizens deployed to diplomatic and consular posts
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/bill/118/s/1924/is/section-12A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
Recognizing the importance of a diverse workforce in the representation of the United States abroad and in support of sound personnel staffing policies, it is the sense of Congress that the Secretary of State should— prioritize efforts to ensure that foreign governments do not impede the assignment of LGBTQI United States citizens and their families to diplomatic and consular posts; open conversations with entities in the United States private sector that engage in business in other countries to the extent necessary to address any visa issues faced by such private sector entities with respect to their LGBTQI employees; and prioritize efforts to improve post and post school information for LGBTQI employees and employees with LGBTQI family members.
The Secretary of State shall use all appropriate diplomatic efforts to ensure that the families of LGBTQI employees of the Department of State are issued visas from countries where such employees are posted. Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall submit to Congress— a classified list of each country that has refused to grant accreditation to LGBTQI employees of the Department of State or to their family members during the most recent 2-year period; and a description of the actions taken or intended to be taken by the Secretary, in accordance with paragraph (1), to ensure that LGBTQI employees are appointed to appropriate positions in accordance with diplomatic needs and personnel qualifications, including actions specifically relating to securing the accreditation of the families of such employees by relevant countries.
The Secretary of State shall ensure that LGBTQI employees and employees with LGBTQI family members have adequate information to pursue overseas postings, including country environment information for adults and children. The Secretary shall make every effort to ensure schools abroad that receive assistance and support from the United States Government under programs administered by the Office of Overseas Schools of the Department of State have active and clear nondiscrimination policies, including policies relating to sexual orientation and gender identity impacting LGBTQI children of all ages.
The Secretary shall ensure that information focused on LGBTQI children of all ages (including transgender and gender nonconforming students) is included in post reports, bidding materials, and Office of Overseas Schools reports, databases, and adequacy lists.