Headquarters of the Human Rights Campaign, Washington, DC (Photo by Adam Fagen on Flickr)
After more than 75 anti-LGBTQ laws have been passed throughout the United States, the Human Rights Campaign declared June 6 a “State of Emergency” for LGBTQ+ Americans and has also issued a warning and guidebook for LGBTQ+ residents and travelers to ensure their safety.
In the organization’s more than 40-year history, they have never declared a state of emergency. In the last legislative session, more than 525 state bills throughout the country have been introduced to limit and reduce the rights and visibility of the LGBTQ+ community. Many of those bills target the transgender community.
2023 marks the year where the most bills targeting the LGBTQ+ community have passed into law. Lats year there were around 150 bills introduced throughout the states, but this year has outranked any previous records.
Because of all this, HRC has issued the state of emergency, national warning and a downloadable guidebook for individuals and families. The guidebook includes law summaries for every state, health and safety resources, information for people living in hostile states or those traveling through and “know your rights” information. HRC hopes that with this guidebook, the community will be better equipped to keep themselves safe in every state.
President of the Human Rights Campaign, Kelley Robinson said that these threats are tangible, real and dangerous and not just perceived by the community. She said many people and families have been forced to relocate in search of safer environments.
“Our number one priority will always be ensuring that LGBTQ+ people are safe and have the tools they need to defend and protect themselves against acts of hostility, discrimination and — in the most extreme cases — violence,” Robinson said. “It’s also incumbent on our allies across the country to stand with us and make it clear that they won’t sit idly by while extremists attack and malign LGBTQ+ people and our families.”
Nadine Smith, CEO of Equality Florida, issued a statement of support for HRC, saying that what is happening in the state with censorship, book bans and access to healthcare is heartbreaking. She also said that because of withdraw of businesses and conferences, Florida’s economy has lost over $1 billion.
“The erosion of civil liberties by extremists to further their own political ambitions poses a direct threat to the health and safety of LGBTQ individuals,” Smith said. “It is imperative for all of us to recognize the gravity of this moment and commit ourselves to being on the frontlines, unwavering in our fight for freedom.”
According to HRC’S legislative impact report, 41 states introduced anti-LGBTQ+ legislation with 21 states having introduced or passed transgender sports bans. Bathroom bans were passed in nine states and gender-affirming care bans are being introduced or passed in 20 states. The report also detailed the mental health impact on the community and its youth as a result of recent legislation.
“We’ll fight tooth and nail to ensure the safety and dignity of every LGBTQ+ person is respected and protected — without exception,” Robinson said.
HRC’s guidebook for action is available to download here.
