LGBTQIA+ Rights Under Attack
On June 6, 2023, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) declared a state of emergency for LGBTQIA+ people in the United States. This announcement was a response to the alarmingly high rise of discriminatory legislation against the LGBTQIA+ community being introduced across various state legislatures this year.
This year alone, there were over 500 anti-LGBTQIA+ bills introduced which is a noteworthy increase from 2022. These bills aim to limit gender-affirming healthcare, ban participation in sports for transgender youth and implement other discriminatory measures. Bills such as the “Don’t Say Gay Bill” in Louisiana and “bathroom bills” in Idaho, Iowa and Arkansas restrict pronoun usage, bathroom access and more, ultimately harming the wellbeing of those in the LGBTQIA+ community.
To support the LGBTQIA+ community during this challenging time, the HRC published a guidebook that provides resources for relocating to states, like Illinois, with stronger LGBTQIA+ protections and information about individual rights. The organization is urging people in positions of power, including President Joe Biden, to take action and advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights with the same level of passion as other issues. The HRC’s decision to declare a state of emergency is unprecedented in its 43-year history and signifies the severity and urgency of the situation faced by the LGBTQIA+ community.
While Republican states across the country have pushed for anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation such as book bans at public school libraries, Illinois has enacted protections for the LGBTQIA+ community. On June 9, Illinois’ governor, J.B. Pritzker, signed two measures into law that safeguard the rights of the LGBTQIA community. One of the measures, which updates language in existing laws to be more welcoming and gender inclusive of LGBTQIA+ youth in foster care, went into effect on August 8, 2023. The other measure that aims to make it easier for LGBTQIA+ couples to marry is expected to go into effect on January 1, 2024.
Although Illinois has reinforced LGBTQIA+ rights, the state’s pro-LGBTQIA+ laws have been met with negative opposition by extremists and conservatives, and the LGBTQIA+ community is vulnerable to the discriminatory legislation being proposed and passed in other states. The time to act is now as these attempts to violate human rights and diminish the dignity and existence of members of the LGBTQIA+ community must be combatted with recognition and gender inclusivity.
Community Renewal Society is committed to justice, equity, inclusion, healing and advocacy in solidarity with LGBTQIA+ communities. Join us in our efforts to secure and protect human rights and build Beloved Community, a place of equality free of discrimination and hate.
Here are ways you can take action to help support the LGBTQIA+ community.
Register for our LGBTQIA+ Issue Team Meeting on August 29 and view our calendar for future meetings.
Send an email to your officials to defend trans rights.
Sign a petition from The Human Rights Campaign urging Congress to pass the Equality Act.
Fill out our LGBTQIA+ Interest Form.
Contact our Bayard Rustin Fellow, Kwyn Townsend Riley, to get involved in our LGBTQIA+ Faith, Race & Equity work.
Read our LGBTQIA+ blog articles.
Follow our Facebook and Instagram for updates on LGBTQIA+ issues.
Missed our 2023 Pride Month events? Watch the recordings for Does the Church Love Us? and Trans 101.