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Rising anti-LGBTQ legislation prompts warnings, challenges from rights groups
A rising number of anti-LGBTQ+ rights bills have been introduced in state legislatures controlled by Republicans in 2023.
File Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
June 12 (UPI) -- A rising number of anti-LGBTQ rights laws are being passed and proposed in statehouses across the United States impacting millions of people.
The Human Rights Campaign has declared an extraordinary national state of emergency warning of the dangers posed by hostile legislation, while HRC and Equality Florida in May joined the NAACP in issuing travel advisories about marginalized people traveling to Florida due to hostile legislation and state government actions.
More than 75 anti-LGBTQ bills have been signed into law in 2023, according to the HRC. "LGBTQ+ Americans Under Attack," an HRC report published last week, said 525 bills were introduced in 41 state legislatures over the last year, including more than 220 targeting transgender people.
"These laws are fueled by an anti-LGBTQ Republican establishment -- and coordinated, well-funded extremist groups like the Alliance Defending Freedom, Heritage Foundation and the Family Policy Alliance -- insistent on trying to control our families and lives," the report said.
HRC also sounded the alarm about what it sees as simultaneous human rights attacks by many states on teaching Black history and abortion rights while passing anti-LGBTQ rights laws.
June 12 (UPI) -- A rising number of anti-LGBTQ rights laws are being passed and proposed in statehouses across the United States impacting millions of people.
The Human Rights Campaign has declared an extraordinary national state of emergency warning of the dangers posed by hostile legislation, while HRC and Equality Florida in May joined the NAACP in issuing travel advisories about marginalized people traveling to Florida due to hostile legislation and state government actions.
More than 75 anti-LGBTQ bills have been signed into law in 2023, according to the HRC. "LGBTQ+ Americans Under Attack," an HRC report published last week, said 525 bills were introduced in 41 state legislatures over the last year, including more than 220 targeting transgender people.
"These laws are fueled by an anti-LGBTQ Republican establishment -- and coordinated, well-funded extremist groups like the Alliance Defending Freedom, Heritage Foundation and the Family Policy Alliance -- insistent on trying to control our families and lives," the report said.
HRC also sounded the alarm about what it sees as simultaneous human rights attacks by many states on teaching Black history and abortion rights while passing anti-LGBTQ rights laws.
File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
2023 legislation
The ACLU is tracking 63 of these anti-LGBTQ rights laws passed this year.
North Dakota leads with 10 laws targeting LGBTQ rights, followed by Texas with nine, Arkansas with eight and Florida and Tennessee with four each. Republicans control the governor's offices and statehouses in each of those states.
Texas, according to HRC, has seen more than 100 anti-LGBTQ bills introduced with more than 25 advancing through the legislature. Texas accounts for more than 20% of the 2023 bills introduced.
All of the anti-LGBTQ rights laws tracked by the ACLU were passed by states with GOP-controlled legislatures.
The laws, according to the ACLU, target LGBTQ people on civil rights against discrimination, rights to free speech and expression, healthcare, public accommodations and in schools and education.
RELATEDNewest travel advisory on Florida warns of risks faced by LGBTQ community
HRC President Kelley Robinson said in a statement there is a competing effort to enshrine protections for LGBTQ individuals into law.
"The good news is that for every Florida, there's a Michigan, which became the 22nd state to sign LGBTQ+ non-discrimination protections into law. And for every Texas, there's a Pennsylvania, where because of our partnership and work and advocacy, they are on the cusp of becoming the 23rd state to put LGBTQ+ non-discrimination protections on the books. And for every Tennessee, there's a Minnesota, where they banned so-called 'conversion therapy' this year," Robinson said.
HRC also sounded the alarm about what it sees as simultaneous human rights attacks by many states on teaching Black history and abortion rights while passing anti-LGBTQ rights laws.
"These same states do nothing to ensure the freedom of children to be safe from gun violence and do nothing to protect the freedom of democracy when Black and trans voices are silenced in state legislatures," Robinson said in the HRC statement.
Laws targeting transgender rights have been especially prominent, with anti-trans legislation passed in 22 states in 2023, according to translegilslation.com.
In Montana, HRC said that SB 458 enacted into law adopts an anti-LGBTQ definition of "sex" that now impacts the entirety of Montana law.
That law denies the existence of gender identities other than the cisgender male and female.
"In human beings, there are exactly two sexes, male and female, with two corresponding gametes" the law states. "The sexes are determined by the biological indication of male or female, including sex chromosomes, gonads, and non-ambiguous internal and external genitalia present at birth, without regard to an individual's psychological, chosen or subjective experience of gender."
A similar law, HB 239, has been enacted into law that also imposes a binary definition of sex and gender. The bill summary said, "this bill defines 'sex' as a person's immutable biological sex as determined by anatomy and genetics existing at the time of birth and evidence of a person's biological sex."
The surge of anti-LGBTQ legislation has prompted Human Rights Campaign to issue a national state of emergency warning for LGBTQ+ people.
Lecester Johnson, from left, August Johnson Hamilton, 2, and Kerry-Ann Hamilton listen as US President Joe Biden during speaks a Pride Month celebration event at the White House in Washington, DC on Saturday, June 10, 2023.
An attendee uses a rainbow flag to stay cool during a Pride Month celebration event at the White House in Washington, DC on Saturday, June 10, 2023.
2023 legislation
The ACLU is tracking 63 of these anti-LGBTQ rights laws passed this year.
North Dakota leads with 10 laws targeting LGBTQ rights, followed by Texas with nine, Arkansas with eight and Florida and Tennessee with four each. Republicans control the governor's offices and statehouses in each of those states.
Texas, according to HRC, has seen more than 100 anti-LGBTQ bills introduced with more than 25 advancing through the legislature. Texas accounts for more than 20% of the 2023 bills introduced.
All of the anti-LGBTQ rights laws tracked by the ACLU were passed by states with GOP-controlled legislatures.
The laws, according to the ACLU, target LGBTQ people on civil rights against discrimination, rights to free speech and expression, healthcare, public accommodations and in schools and education.
RELATEDNewest travel advisory on Florida warns of risks faced by LGBTQ community
HRC President Kelley Robinson said in a statement there is a competing effort to enshrine protections for LGBTQ individuals into law.
"The good news is that for every Florida, there's a Michigan, which became the 22nd state to sign LGBTQ+ non-discrimination protections into law. And for every Texas, there's a Pennsylvania, where because of our partnership and work and advocacy, they are on the cusp of becoming the 23rd state to put LGBTQ+ non-discrimination protections on the books. And for every Tennessee, there's a Minnesota, where they banned so-called 'conversion therapy' this year," Robinson said.
HRC also sounded the alarm about what it sees as simultaneous human rights attacks by many states on teaching Black history and abortion rights while passing anti-LGBTQ rights laws.
"These same states do nothing to ensure the freedom of children to be safe from gun violence and do nothing to protect the freedom of democracy when Black and trans voices are silenced in state legislatures," Robinson said in the HRC statement.
Laws targeting transgender rights have been especially prominent, with anti-trans legislation passed in 22 states in 2023, according to translegilslation.com.
In Montana, HRC said that SB 458 enacted into law adopts an anti-LGBTQ definition of "sex" that now impacts the entirety of Montana law.
That law denies the existence of gender identities other than the cisgender male and female.
"In human beings, there are exactly two sexes, male and female, with two corresponding gametes" the law states. "The sexes are determined by the biological indication of male or female, including sex chromosomes, gonads, and non-ambiguous internal and external genitalia present at birth, without regard to an individual's psychological, chosen or subjective experience of gender."
A similar law, HB 239, has been enacted into law that also imposes a binary definition of sex and gender. The bill summary said, "this bill defines 'sex' as a person's immutable biological sex as determined by anatomy and genetics existing at the time of birth and evidence of a person's biological sex."
The surge of anti-LGBTQ legislation has prompted Human Rights Campaign to issue a national state of emergency warning for LGBTQ+ people.
File Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo
Legal challenges
Last week, a Florida federal judge blocked a narrow portion the state's ban on gender-affirming care after four families challenged the law, alleging that it will cause irreparable harm to transgender young people.
U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle sided with the families and said "gender identify is real" and gender-affirming treatment is medically necessary.
Lamda Legal is expecting a ruling soon on its lawsuit that challenged Florida's ban on Medicaid coverage of gender-affirming care enacted last year. They say they also included a challenge to SB 254, which was signed into law last week.
"Despite this administration's rhetoric to the contrary, this is about a curtailment of fundamental liberties and state government overreach into our schools, families and healthcare," ACLU of Florida Executive Director Tiffani Lennon said in a statement. "These laws do nothing to protect liberty and freedoms. The only 'winners' are those who want to see a bigger, more invasive government."
Last week, a Florida federal judge blocked a narrow portion the state's ban on gender-affirming care after four families challenged the law, alleging that it will cause irreparable harm to transgender young people.
U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle sided with the families and said "gender identify is real" and gender-affirming treatment is medically necessary.
Lamda Legal is expecting a ruling soon on its lawsuit that challenged Florida's ban on Medicaid coverage of gender-affirming care enacted last year. They say they also included a challenge to SB 254, which was signed into law last week.
"Despite this administration's rhetoric to the contrary, this is about a curtailment of fundamental liberties and state government overreach into our schools, families and healthcare," ACLU of Florida Executive Director Tiffani Lennon said in a statement. "These laws do nothing to protect liberty and freedoms. The only 'winners' are those who want to see a bigger, more invasive government."
In Tennessee, a federal judge ruled a state law banning drag performances is an unconstitutional restriction on the freedom of speech.
In May, the ACLU filed suit against Legislative Bill 574, a Nebraska law that bans abortion after 12 weeks and also restricts healthcare for trans youth beginning in October.
The Utah ACLU and the National Center For Lesbian Rights are challenging SB16, a law passed this year banning transgender surgeries for children and teens. The ACLU said it is "riddled with numerous constitutional issues."
SB 480, an Indiana law passed in April barring access to gender-affirming care, is being challenged by a federal suit alleging it violates the U.S. Constitution. The suit filed by the ACLU on behalf of four Indiana families asserts that the law also violates the Medicaid Act and Affordable Care Act by prohibiting essential medical services.
A law in Alabama banning gender-affirming care would put medical professionals in prison for up to 10 years. Two families, with the ACLU's help, are suing to overturn it.
An Alabama law that deprives transgender people of driver licenses that reflect their gender is also being contested in court by the ACLU.
Read More Human Rights Campaign declares LGBTQ+ state of emergency
In May, the ACLU filed suit against Legislative Bill 574, a Nebraska law that bans abortion after 12 weeks and also restricts healthcare for trans youth beginning in October.
The Utah ACLU and the National Center For Lesbian Rights are challenging SB16, a law passed this year banning transgender surgeries for children and teens. The ACLU said it is "riddled with numerous constitutional issues."
SB 480, an Indiana law passed in April barring access to gender-affirming care, is being challenged by a federal suit alleging it violates the U.S. Constitution. The suit filed by the ACLU on behalf of four Indiana families asserts that the law also violates the Medicaid Act and Affordable Care Act by prohibiting essential medical services.
A law in Alabama banning gender-affirming care would put medical professionals in prison for up to 10 years. Two families, with the ACLU's help, are suing to overturn it.
An Alabama law that deprives transgender people of driver licenses that reflect their gender is also being contested in court by the ACLU.
Read More Human Rights Campaign declares LGBTQ+ state of emergency
Bidens tells transgender children 'you are loved' in Pride Month celebration at White House
President Joe Biden hugs Scarlett Harvey, a health and fitness coach from Houston, during a Pride Month celebration event at the White House on Saturday.
President Joe Biden is pictured during a Pride Month celebration event at the White House in on Saturday.
President Joe Biden hugs Scarlett Harvey, a health and fitness coach from Houston, during a Pride Month celebration event at the White House on Saturday.
Photo by Nathan Howard/Bloomberg/UPI | License Photo
June 10 (UPI) -- As former President Donald Trump on Saturday prepared to deliver speeches in which he voiced support for anti- "woke" policies targeting the transgender community, President Joe Biden was telling transgender children they are "loved" during Pride Month celebrations at the White House.
"We need to push back against the hundreds of callous and cynical bills and laws introduced in states targeting transgender children, terrifying families, and criminalizing doctors and nurses," Biden said, according to a White House transcript of his speech.
"These bills and laws attack the most basic values and freedoms we have as Americans -- that's not hyperbole; that's a fact: the right to be yourself, the right to make your own health decisions, the right to raise your own children."
Biden said transgender children and their parents should not have to fear for their safety, feel "singled out" or "demonized."
"I want to send a message to the entire community, especially to transgender children: You are loved. You are heard. You are understood. And you belong," Biden said.
Biden's comments came as Trump prepared to speak at two state Republican conventions in Georgia and North Carolina on Saturday, his first appearances since his historic indictment on 37 federal counts.
"On day one, I will immediately sign a new executive order to cut federal funding for any school pushing Critical Race Theory, transgender insanity and other inappropriate racial, sexual or political content on our children," Trump said in North Carolina.
"It's amazing how strongly people feel about that. You see, I'm talking about cutting taxes and people go like that [imitating mild applause] but I talk about transgender and everyone goes crazy!"
June 10 (UPI) -- As former President Donald Trump on Saturday prepared to deliver speeches in which he voiced support for anti- "woke" policies targeting the transgender community, President Joe Biden was telling transgender children they are "loved" during Pride Month celebrations at the White House.
"We need to push back against the hundreds of callous and cynical bills and laws introduced in states targeting transgender children, terrifying families, and criminalizing doctors and nurses," Biden said, according to a White House transcript of his speech.
"These bills and laws attack the most basic values and freedoms we have as Americans -- that's not hyperbole; that's a fact: the right to be yourself, the right to make your own health decisions, the right to raise your own children."
Biden said transgender children and their parents should not have to fear for their safety, feel "singled out" or "demonized."
"I want to send a message to the entire community, especially to transgender children: You are loved. You are heard. You are understood. And you belong," Biden said.
Biden's comments came as Trump prepared to speak at two state Republican conventions in Georgia and North Carolina on Saturday, his first appearances since his historic indictment on 37 federal counts.
"On day one, I will immediately sign a new executive order to cut federal funding for any school pushing Critical Race Theory, transgender insanity and other inappropriate racial, sexual or political content on our children," Trump said in North Carolina.
"It's amazing how strongly people feel about that. You see, I'm talking about cutting taxes and people go like that [imitating mild applause] but I talk about transgender and everyone goes crazy!"
President Joe Biden is pictured during a Pride Month celebration event at the White House in on Saturday.
Lecester Johnson, from left, August Johnson Hamilton, 2, and Kerry-Ann Hamilton listen as US President Joe Biden during speaks a Pride Month celebration event at the White House in Washington, DC on Saturday, June 10, 2023.
An attendee uses a rainbow flag to stay cool during a Pride Month celebration event at the White House in Washington, DC on Saturday, June 10, 2023.
Photos by Nathan Howard/Bloomberg/UPI | License Photo
Hundreds march in Boston's first Pride parade since 2019
Members of Boston Pride for the People lead the city's Pride parade on Saturday, the first held since 2019.
Members of Boston Pride for the People lead the city's Pride parade on Saturday, the first held since 2019.
Photo by CJ Gunther/EPA-EFE
June 10 (UPI) -- Hundreds of participants turned out Saturday for the first Pride Month parade held in Boston since 2019.
The COVID-19 pandemic and a boycott against previous organizers meant Saturday's event was the first time in four years people filled the streets of the city's Back Bay and South End neighborhoods.
Light rain and temperatures between 59 and 65 degrees didn't dampen the mood.
"It's a day of joy and celebration," Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey told WBTS-TV while marching in the parade. "I think we both want everybody in Massachusetts to know that our LGBTQ+ community, you are safe, you are protected, we'll fight always for equality and civil rights."
The 52-year-old is one of two openly-gay governors in the country. She was elected as the state's 73rd governor earlier this year.
"Proud," Healey tweeted, with pictures of the march.
A festival following the parade was scheduled for Boston Common.
"Put on your happy Pride outfit and just show up," Boston Pride for the People Vice President Jo Trigilio told WBUR Radio. "Bring your friends and bring your fabulous outfit."
June 10 (UPI) -- Hundreds of participants turned out Saturday for the first Pride Month parade held in Boston since 2019.
The COVID-19 pandemic and a boycott against previous organizers meant Saturday's event was the first time in four years people filled the streets of the city's Back Bay and South End neighborhoods.
Light rain and temperatures between 59 and 65 degrees didn't dampen the mood.
"It's a day of joy and celebration," Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey told WBTS-TV while marching in the parade. "I think we both want everybody in Massachusetts to know that our LGBTQ+ community, you are safe, you are protected, we'll fight always for equality and civil rights."
The 52-year-old is one of two openly-gay governors in the country. She was elected as the state's 73rd governor earlier this year.
"Proud," Healey tweeted, with pictures of the march.
A festival following the parade was scheduled for Boston Common.
"Put on your happy Pride outfit and just show up," Boston Pride for the People Vice President Jo Trigilio told WBUR Radio. "Bring your friends and bring your fabulous outfit."
Los Angeles Pride Parade brings thousands to Hollywood Boulevard
(15 images)
Thousands filled the streets of Hollywood Boulevard for the Los Angeles Pride Parade, which took place on Monday. Comedian Margaret Cho served as the parade's Icon Grand Marshal, while late actor Leslie Jordan was honored as the Legacy Grand Marshal.
The parade's Icon Grand Marshal, comedian Margaret Cho (L), drives through Hollywood Boulevard.
The L.A. Pride parade's Grand Marshall float, honoring late actor Leslie Jordan, rolls along Hollywood
Participants from Disney take part in the parade.
A bus from Disneyland drives along the parade route.
A school bus covered with Pride decorations drives down the parade route.
The parade comes at a time when LGBTQ+ issues are at the center of U.S. culture wars.
The parade marked the end of the city's weekend-long Pride celebration.
Participants representing Stonewall take part in the parade.
A Jeep drives by with signs that read "Protect Trans Youth" and "Stop GOP Bigotry."
Cars waving Pride flags and signs roll through the parade route.
A mother holds up a sign that reads "Trans People Belong."
A participant holds a sign that reads "Protect Abortion Access."
Supporters watch and cheer on the parade from the sideline.
More Pride festivities took place at LA Pride Village following the parade.
Thousands filled the streets of Hollywood Boulevard for the Los Angeles Pride Parade, which took place on Monday. Comedian Margaret Cho served as the parade's Icon Grand Marshal, while late actor Leslie Jordan was honored as the Legacy Grand Marshal.
The parade's Icon Grand Marshal, comedian Margaret Cho (L), drives through Hollywood Boulevard.
The L.A. Pride parade's Grand Marshall float, honoring late actor Leslie Jordan, rolls along Hollywood
Participants from Disney take part in the parade.
A bus from Disneyland drives along the parade route.
A school bus covered with Pride decorations drives down the parade route.
The parade comes at a time when LGBTQ+ issues are at the center of U.S. culture wars.
The parade marked the end of the city's weekend-long Pride celebration.
Participants representing Stonewall take part in the parade.
A Jeep drives by with signs that read "Protect Trans Youth" and "Stop GOP Bigotry."
Cars waving Pride flags and signs roll through the parade route.
A mother holds up a sign that reads "Trans People Belong."
A participant holds a sign that reads "Protect Abortion Access."
Supporters watch and cheer on the parade from the sideline.
More Pride festivities took place at LA Pride Village following the parade.
Photos by Jim Ruymen/UPI
Thousands of people walk in Jerusalem's 20th LGBTQ pride parade on June 2, 2022.
11 Photos by Debbie Hill/UPI | License Photo
People march with a long Pride flag
A man holds an Israeli flag.
U.S. Ambassador Thomas Nides attends Jerusalem Pride.
People march with a long Pride flag.
People march with a giant Pride flag.
Thousands of people walk in Jerusalem.
Israeli border police guards the Pride Parade amid security concerns.
Thousands of people walk in the parade.
Marchers hold signs at the parade.
People wave Pride flags from a balcony.
Marchers hold signs at the parade.
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