Foreign Assistance Act

In April 2024, Congress passed an amendment to the Foreign Assistance Act that bans U.S. foreign aid from being used to support or promote anti-LGBTQ+ laws abroad. This amendment is a response to rising global concerns about human rights violations tied to sexual orientation and gender identity. Under the new law, any country receiving U.S. aid that enacts or enforces policies targeting LGBTQ+ individuals could face restrictions or loss of funding. It’s a shift in how America ties its financial influence to its values.

This amendment builds on the original Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, which allowed the U.S. to provide aid to countries for economic and military development, but also gave Congress the power to limit that aid based on a country’s behavior. Over the years, amendments have been added to push U.S. interests and values, like democracy, anti-terrorism, and LGBTQ+ rights. The push for this most recent amendment came after Uganda passed a harsh anti-LGBTQ+ law in 2023 that included severe prison sentences. It sparked outrage among U.S. lawmakers and human rights groups, leading to bipartisan momentum to draw a line when it comes to funding governments that promote hate.

There are strong arguments both for and against this amendment. Supporters say it sends a clear message that the U.S. won’t bankroll discrimination and that foreign aid shouldn’t go to governments violating fundamental human rights. It also reflects public pressure to align U.S. policy with progressive values. On the flip side, critics argue that cutting aid might hurt the same vulnerable populations we’re trying to protect, especially in countries where civil society groups rely on U.S. funding. Others worry it could backfire and be seen as U.S. interference, making it harder for activists on the ground who are already at risk.

Ultimately, this amendment represents a growing trend of using U.S. aid as a policy tool, not just for diplomacy, but to stand for something. It’s a complicated but important step in the evolving relationship between foreign policy and human rights. Whether it creates real change abroad or sparks more debate at home, it signals that the U.S. is paying attention to how its dollars are used.