Santos introduces bill to block funds to countries that pass anti-LGBT policies

Embattled New York Republican Rep. George Santos on Friday introduced a bill to bar federal aid from nations that have laws discriminating against women and LGBT individuals.

Under his proposed "Equality and Fiscal Accountability Protection Act of 2023," the State Department would be required to evaluate the human rights record of potential foreign aid recipients and withhold it from those with violations.

"We as a nation have a responsibility to stand up for the human rights of all people, regardless of race, religion, or sexual orientation," he said, according to The Hill. "Discrimination against both women and the LGBTQ community is unacceptable. My bill will send a clear message that the United States will not offer federal aid to countries found to be violating the rights of individuals based on sexual orientation."

The bill comes the same week that Ugandan lawmakers adopted legislation making it a crime to identify as LGBT and expanding the death penalty for an array of related crimes.

Same-sex marriage is not legal in most of Africa and Asia and homosexuality itself is outright banned in many African and Middle Eastern nations.

The bill marks another legislative effort from the controversial lawmaker, after his previously introduced a plan to raise the state and local tax deductions earlier this month.

Santos himself has faced numerous scandals involving alleged past criminal activities and claims he misrepresented his background while running for office. He has resisted calls to resign and recently filed to run for reelection in 2024.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on Twitter.