Congress Rebukes Blinken Over LGBTQ+ Push in Foreign Policy

Secretary of State Antony Blinken faces sharp criticism from Congress for attempting to incorporate an LGBTQ+ agenda into U.S. international diplomacy. In a strongly worded letter obtained by Breitbart News, Rep. Brian Mast, R-Fla., a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, accuses Blinken of overstepping his authority and misrepresenting U.S. treaty obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).

Mast’s letter denounces Blinken’s efforts to reinterpret the ICCPR to include provisions for sexual orientation and gender identity. He characterizes the move as a “unilateral attempt” to circumvent Senate approval, calling it “clear Department overreach.” Mast asserts that such actions undermine free expression and religious freedoms, framing the push as an ideologically driven initiative that contributed to the Democratic Party’s 2024 election loss.

“All individuals possess the same rights and are already covered by the treaty,” Mast writes, emphasizing that Blinken’s interpretation imposes controversial cultural norms on international agreements. He warns that introducing “new rights claims” without widespread public support risks eroding domestic legitimacy for U.S. foreign policy.

Mast’s letter reflects broader opposition to expanding the 2020 Bostock v. Clayton County ruling—which pertains narrowly to Title VII protections in employment—into international human rights law. He argues that such a move exceeds the scope of the ICCPR, which was ratified with specific limitations by the U.S. Senate.

The letter formally requests that Blinken produce, by December 19, 2024, all internal communications and documents related to sexual orientation and gender identity as they pertain to ICCPR obligations. Mast concludes that the incoming administration must reject Blinken’s reinterpretations to ensure alignment with constitutional principles and public will.

This marks a significant challenge to Blinken’s policy agenda and underscores tension over cultural issues in U.S. diplomacy.

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