LGBTQ State of Emergency Declared by Human Rights Campaign in US

The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the largest LGBTQ advocacy organization in the US, has declared a national state of emergency due to the proliferation of legislation aimed at regulating the lives of queer people. HRC identified Florida, Tennessee, and Texas as the most hostile states towards the LGBTQ community. The organization reported that over 70 bills considered anti-LGBTQ were passed in statehouses this legislative session, double last year’s previous record. HRC also noted that virtually all bills were introduced by Republicans, with more than 220 affecting transgender people. The number of such bills introduced has steadily increased in recent years. As a result, more families with LGBTQ members have been subjected to threats, with some choosing to move to safer places. HRC has released a “know before you go” guide to help LGBTQ people navigate the mounting state laws. HRC praised Michigan and Minnesota for expanding LGBTQ rights from 2022 to 2023.