HRC reports onslaught of anti-trans state bills
The Human Rights Campaign recently released a report warning of an alarming wave of legislation nationwide that targets American transgenders, particularly children.
The HRC, which is the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, detailed in their report an unprecedented 44 anti-transgender bills being pushed in 16 states.
The HRC’s detailed report confirms an earlier one done by the Fenway Institute and the Center for American Progress last month.
Pending anti-trans state bills
The anti-transgender bills are noted for their diversity: from undercutting the ability of transgender people to get gender-affirming health care to creating state-sanctioned ways to discriminate against them.
Meanwhile, other bills deny transgender people access to bathrooms, locker rooms, and athletic teams consistent with their gender identity.
More alarming is that these bills– 23 of which target children in schools and school sports– are part of more than 175 anti-LGBT bills in 32 states for 2016.
Denouncing anti-trans state bills
The HRC warned this is just a new wave of bills, noting that in 2015, at least 125 anti-LGBT bills were introduced. Of this number, 21 specifically targeted transgender people though none were passed into law.
“This deeply disturbing trend is a stark reminder of just how vicious and deplorable opponents of equality are in their relentless attacks against our community,” said HRC President Chad Griffin.
“HRC will continue to work with our state and national partners to vigorously oppose and work to defeat legislation that threatens the fundamental human rights of transgender people,” Griffin said.
“As we work to defeat these discriminatory bills, we will also continue our efforts to advance critically-needed protections at the state, local, and ultimately the federal level for LGBT people all across this country,” he added.
Examples of anti-trans state bills
One example of an anti-trans state bill being considered is in South Dakota, with legislature having approved a bill that would prevent transgender students in public schools to use restrooms and other facilities consistent with their gender identity.
South Dakota Govenor Dennis Daugaard is set to meet with LGBT activists and allies as well as the sponsors of the bill prior to the signing of the said legislature.
The state of Georgia is also considering First Amendment Defense Act (FADA) bills that would legalize discrimination against trans people, with publicly-funded programs that would allow people to refuse service on the basis of “sincerely-held religious beliefs.”
Meanwhile, other states are studying measures ranging from preventing transgender people from changing their gender marker on their birth certificates to legally getting married and accessing medically-necessary care.