The organization Human Rights Campaign (HRC)for its acronym in English) just officially declared a state of emergency for LGBTQ people in the United States on Tuesday considering the passage of more than 75 laws in more than a dozen states that explicitly target that community.
At least 525 anti-LGBTQ bills have been introduced in 41 states this year, the organization said, including more than 220 laws that explicitly target transgender people.
More than 76 anti-LGBTQ bills have been signed into law this year by HRC’s tally, more than double the number from last year, so far the worst of all.
“The threats facing millions of people in our community are not just perceived, they are real, tangible and dangerous,” HRC President Kelley Robinson said in a statement.
“In many cases they are resulting in violence against LGBTQ+ people, forcing families to uproot their lives and flee their homes in search of safer states, and triggering a rise in homophobia and transphobia, endangering the safety of each and every one of us.”
The HRC is the largest LGBTQ civil rights group in the country. In a press release, a Texas mother of four whose last name was not released by HRC, said the more than 50 anti-LGBTQ bills introduced by state legislators this year forced her to relocate her family out of state. .
“Being forced to leave our family and friends, with roots in Texas for over a hundred years, will be the hardest,” he said. “Our close family, especially my mother, is devastated. Going from seeing each other every week to every two months is going to be an emotional challenge.”
Some 20 states have passed laws or policies that greatly restrict or prohibit gender-affirming health care for transgender minors, as well as adults in some cases.
Just under 31% of all transgender youth ages 13 to 17 live in states where they can no longer access care that most major medical organizations consider medically necessary, according to the HRC.
“The assault on freedom is not limited to one state, but spans the entire United States,” said Nadine Smith, executive director of Equality Florida. Last month, both the HRC and Equality Florida issued a Florida travel advisory. Gov. Ron DeSantis, who launched his run for the White House this month, has signed at least four laws targeting LGBTQ people this year.
“The erosion of civil liberties by extremists in order to further their own political ambitions poses a direct threat to the health and safety of LGBTQ people,” Smith said. “It is imperative that we all recognize the gravity of this moment and commit to being on the front lines in our fight for freedom.”
In addition to declaring a national state of emergency, the HRC released a guide for LGBTQ people that includes health and safety resources, a state-by-state summary of laws, and “know your rights” information for those traveling to or living in states that have passed those laws.
