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Transgender people are especially vulnerable to these acts of violence. Forced marriages, so-called honor killings, and the use of rape as a way of “undoing” a victim’s sexual orientation or gender identity continue to jeopardize lives in places where state capacity is limited. In countries such as Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Qatar, these measures tend not to be enforced even if they are legally permissible, but Iran still regularly executes LGBTQ+ individuals. Additionally, in geographic areas beyond the reach of governments, terrorist organizations such as the self-proclaimed Islamic State perpetrate anti-LGBTQ+ violence.Įven where same-sex sexual activity is not illegal, officials often overlook abuse and murder of LGBTQ+ individuals perpetrated by law enforcement officers, militant groups, street gangs, and even their own family members. Around seventy countries continue to criminalize homosexual activity, and in twelve countries adults who engage in consensual same-sex acts can still face the death penalty. Yet, such protections are unevenly enshrined in law throughout the world, and anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination persists. Biden is likely to face resistance from conservative lawmakers and judges, but his commitment to using executive powers-evident in the signing of an executive order on his first day in office to protect LGBTQ+ Americans from discrimination-bodes well for the restoration of the United States’ standing as a global leader in the defense of such rights. global standing on human rights issues poses an initial challenge for President Joe Biden, who is expected to pursue robust LGBTQ+ rights advocacy. Trump administration. Trump also deprioritized the promotion of LGBTQ+ rights in U.S. However, a rapid expansion of protections in the United States during the Barack Obama administration was stalled-or, in areas such as health care and military service, even reversed-by the Donald J. leadership has been prominent in defending them worldwide. The United States has long been an important battleground for LGBTQ+ rights, and U.S.