Contact your legislators to tell them to stop anti-LGBT legislation in 2023
As of 2023, the United States is experiencing a wave of anti-LGBT legislation in statehouses across the country. These bills are designed to limit the rights and freedoms of the LGBTQ+ community, and they represent a major setback for the progress that has been made in recent years towards equality and acceptance.
One of the most concerning trends in anti-LGBT legislation is the proliferation of so-called “religious freedom” bills. These bills are often framed as protecting the rights of religious individuals and institutions to practice their faith without interference from the government. In reality, however, these bills often give businesses, government officials, and others a license to discriminate against LGBTQ+ people under the guise of religious belief.
For example, in some states, there are bills that would allow businesses to refuse service to LGBTQ+ people on the basis of religious belief. This could mean that a bakery could refuse to make a wedding cake for a same-sex couple, or a hotel could deny a room to a transgender guest. These bills are not only discriminatory, but they also undermine the basic principles of equal protection and nondiscrimination that are enshrined in the Constitution.
Another concerning trend in anti-LGBT legislation is the push to limit the rights of transgender people. In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the struggles that transgender people face, including discrimination, harassment, and violence. Unfortunately, many state lawmakers seem determined to roll back the progress that has been made in this area.
Some of the anti-transgender bills that have been introduced in statehouses across the country include measures to limit access to healthcare for transgender individuals, prevent transgender people from using bathrooms that align with their gender identity, and restrict the ability of transgender athletes to participate in sports. These bills are not only discriminatory, but they also ignore the reality that transgender people face unique challenges and need support and protection.
Another area of concern in anti-LGBT legislation is the targeting of LGBTQ+ youth. In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the struggles that LGBTQ+ youth face, including higher rates of suicide, bullying, and homelessness. Unfortunately, many state lawmakers seem determined to make life even harder for these vulnerable young people.
Some of the anti-LGBTQ+ youth bills that have been introduced in statehouses include measures to restrict access to counseling and support services for LGBTQ+ youth, prevent LGBTQ+ youth from participating in school clubs or organizations, and even make it illegal for parents to affirm their child’s gender identity. These bills are not only cruel, but they also ignore the fact that LGBTQ+ youth deserve the same love, support, and acceptance as any other young person.
In addition to these specific areas of concern, there are also broader efforts to undermine the rights and freedoms of LGBTQ+ people. For example, some state lawmakers are attempting to roll back anti-discrimination protections for LGBTQ+ people, restrict access to adoption and foster care for same-sex couples, and even ban LGBTQ+ pride events.
All of these efforts to limit the rights and freedoms of LGBTQ+ people are deeply troubling. They are also out of step with the majority of Americans, who support equality and acceptance for LGBTQ+ people. According to a recent survey, 70% of Americans support laws that protect LGBTQ+ people from discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations.
Despite this overwhelming support, anti-LGBT legislation continues to be introduced and passed in statehouses across the country. This is a reminder that progress is not inevitable, and that we must remain vigilant and active in the fight for equality and acceptance.
