HRC: THIS YEAR’S ANTI-LGBT LEGISLATION WILL BE ‘HISTORICALLY BAD’

Christiana Lilly

The Human Rights Campaign is not optimistic about how 2023 will play for the LGBT community.

During a virtual press conference, the advocacy group shared that over 300 antiLGBT bills were drafted last year, and although a majority did not pass, they think 2023 will be even worse.

“We know last year was bad, but what’s worse is the same extremist politicians who led those efforts are doubling down this year,” said Kelley Robinson, the president of the HRC.

This year, there are 250 bills drafted with 150 aimed at trans and non-binary people, “the most anti-trans bills that we have ever seen before.”

“They’re spending their energy attacking trans youth … when they should focus on the needs of their constituents,” Robinson continued. “To say that the LGBTQ+ community is facing a crisis is an understatement.”

Florida, Texas and Tennessee were specifically highlighted during the press conference. In the Sunshine State, the Parental Rights in Education bill, or “Don’t Say Gay,” has led to books being pulled from library shelves and “safe space” stickers removed from classrooms, drag queens are under attack, the Florida Board of Medicine is working to eliminate healthcare for transgender youth, and more.

Although things are not looking good, the HRC is not backing down.

“They seek to punish us, to silence us and ultimately erase our very being,” Robinson said. “We are ready to take these extremists head on. We are greater than all of their hate.”