On Wednesday, the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee will consider H.R. 2410, the State Department reauthorization bill. Rep. Howard Berman, D-Calif., introduced the Foreign Relations Authorization Act for 2010 and 2011.
The bill proposes offering transportation benefits to same-sex partners of foreign service members, as well as Peace Corps volunteers. Right now, only married couples are offered such benefits.
It also would:
- Require the U.S. government to track violence in other countries that is "based on actual or perceived sexual orientation and gender identity.” Foreign workers would be taught how to "identify" such actions.
- Establish an Office for Global Women’s Issues to coordinate and advise on “activities, policies, programs, and funding relating to gender integration and women’s empowerment internationally." Life advocates believe the office likely will promote abortion overseas.
Ashley Horne, federal policy analyst at Focus on the Family Action, pointed out that H.R. 2410 violates the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA).
"The public policy of the United States expressed through DOMA and other federal provisions is to promote one-man, one-woman marriage," she said. "That is the gold standard by which the government does, and should continue to, offer benefits."
TAKE ACTION
Please call the House Foreign Affairs Committee and ask them to oppose the Foreign Relations Authorization Act.
Democrat committee line: (202) 225-5021
Republican committee line: (202) 226-8467
Also, please call your U.S. representative if he or she serves on the committee.
— Jennifer Mesko
