Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) officially declared a state of emergency for LGBTQ+ people in the United States for the first time in its more than 40-year history.
The HRC— the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization — took this action following an unprecedented and dangerous spike in anti-LGBTQ+ legislative assaults sweeping state houses this year.
For the first time ever, we're declaring a national state of emergency as LGBTQ+ Americans face extremist attempts to roll back our rights. It's more important than ever we have the necessary resources to stay safe no matter where we are. https://t.co/EcnZgqDDCp pic.twitter.com/q0axEWCM1N
— Human Rights Campaign (@HRC) June 6, 2023
Via press release:
A new report released by HRC today — LGBTQ+ Americans Under Attack — details more than 75 anti-LGBTQ+ bills that have been signed into law this year alone, more than doubling last year’s number, which was previously the worst year on record.
The sharp rise in anti-LGBTQ+ measures has spawned a dizzying patchwork of discriminatory state laws that have created increasingly hostile and dangerous environments for LGBTQ+ people, prompting HRC today to also issue a national warning and downloadable guidebook for the LGBTQ+ community — including health and safety resources, a summary of state-by-state laws, “know your rights” information, and resources designed to support LGBTQ+ travelers as well as those already living in hostile states.
This guidebook will arm LGBTQ+ people with resources and information to help ensure safety in all 50 states.
As detailed in HRC’s legislative impact report, there has been a steady increase in anti-LGBTQ+ bills introduced in state legislatures over the last several years.
In 2015, there were 115 bills introduced. In 2023, there were 525 bills introduced in 41 states. More than 75 bills have been signed into law — more than doubling last year’s number.
The 2023 state legislative session is officially the worst year on record for anti-LGBTQ+ legislation.
“There is an imminent threat to the health and safety of millions of LGBTQ+ people and families, who are living every day in uncertainty and fear," @HRC's president @KelleyJRobinson said. https://t.co/pSN9BbRKX2
— The Advocate (@TheAdvocateMag) June 6, 2023