Amplifying progressive voices

Tag: Florida

National State of Emergency for LGBTQ+ Americans

The Human Rights Campaign declared a state of emergency for LGBTQ+ people in the U.S. on Tuesday and released a guidebook pointing to laws it deems discriminatory in each state, along with “know your rights” information and resources to help people relocate to states with stronger LGBTQ+ protections.

We have officially declared a state of emergency for LGBTQ+ people in the United States for the first time following an unprecedented and dangerous spike in anti-LGBTQ+ legislative assaults sweeping state houses this year. More than 75 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been signed into law this year alone, more than doubling last year’s number, which was previously the worst year on record.

Sounding the alarm about the current political climate, the nation’s largest organization devoted to the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer Americans said travel advisories aren’t enough to help people already living in states where lawmakers have targeted LGBTQ+ people.

The HRC guidebook provides information about filing complaints for civil rights violations and points to resources for financing moves and finding employment, particularly in the 17 states with a trifecta of Democratic leadership in both legislative chambers and the governor’s office.

Make America Florida

For starters, let’s look at SB254, which allows the state of Florida to seize custody of any child they deem “being at risk or being subjected to” gender-affirming medical care of any kind. Essentially, it’s state-sanctioned kidnapping of trans youth.

The infamous “Don’t Say Gay” bill banned any discussion of sexual orientation or gender in schools and condoned the removal or censorship of books that discuss the topics of LGBT or racism. On top of that, a rumored bill or addition would ban the use of preferred pronouns in schools.

Florida, or the Fourth Reich?

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is vying for a presidential run in 2024 with the platform “Make America Florida.” Indeed, Ron has spoken about how Florida is “where woke comes to die” and has done so by using his power to silence, intimidate, and destroy his political opponents.

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