Key Takeaways:
– The Biden-Harris administration plans to spend $1.5 million on LGBTQ initiatives in Latin America, despite a Congressional hold.
– The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is funding this move as part of a broader global $6.5 million package.
– Proposed initiatives include anti-LGBTQ violence awareness and litigation in the event of discrimination.
– USAID’s $45 billion budget for 2024 has stirred up controversy for being used to fund various social causes across the globe.
Biden-Harris Ignore Congressional Freeze on LGBTQ Funding
In a rare move, the Biden-Harris administration is going ahead with plans to spend $1.5 million on LGBTQ+ initiatives in Latin America and the Caribbean. This comes despite a Congressional hold on the funding, a protocol usually followed by such agencies.
Working against the Norm
USAID’s intentions to proceed with the spending plan breaks from the norm amid an increasingly heated debate. This move by USAID is almost unheard of, as holds are often honored to prevent disagreements.
Support across Borders
The principal usages for these funds go beyond just the support of LGBTQ+ individuals. A portion of the money will serve in cases of discrimination, funding litigation against various Latin American and Caribbean nations. Important to mention is that some of these countries have the highest percentages of Catholics or Christians worldwide.
Coming Together for a Cause
The funding isn’t only for LGBTQ+ initiatives either. Also included are efforts to promote a harmonious relationship between LGBTQ+ organizations and other minority groups. These groups are notably those representing African descendants, indigenous groups, and migrant-focused organizations.
Objective Journalism
USAID’s plans also include creating and circulating resources for journalists. The aim is to promote an anti-violence stance against LGBTQ+ individuals in the covered region.
A Piece of a Larger Plan
The $1.5 million earmarked for Latin America and the Caribbean is but a slice of a larger funding pie. The larger initiative is a $6.5 million package deployed for LGBTQ+ initiatives globally, enveloping regions in the Middle East and Africa.
The Show Goes On
However, the Congressional hold was put on only the $1.5 million portion of the package. Ignoring this, USAID pressed on with the spending plan.
A Controversial Budget
The fiscal year 2024 sees USAID boasting a $45 billion budget. While the lion’s share goes towards conventional aid delivery operations, part of the sum is used to foster social causes across the globe. This includes the aforementioned LGBTQ+ initiatives in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Risk and Reward
USAID’s activities have not been without contention. Some lawmakers have criticized part of the agency’s spending as politically charged or wasteful. In some instances, tracking of USAID funding has not been thorough, leading to risks of the money ending up with American adversaries.
In Summary
Undeterred by the Congressional hold, the Biden-Harris administration plans to push forth their LGBTQ+ initiative in Latin America and the Caribbean. The decision is a part of a larger $6.5 million global initiative, which has stirred up its share of controversies. Despite criticism, USAID stands firm on its objective of promoting social causes around the world. The developments suggest significant changes could be underway in the sphere of international aid and LGBTQ+ rights.