June marks Pride, a month-long LGBTQ+ celebration, but it’s also a reminder of troubling trends in anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination. So far in the 2024 legislative session, more than 515 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been introduced in the U.S. While over 300 have been defeated, 34 have been signed into law and over 100 still are pending.
Here’s what you need to know about the issues at stake:
Barriers to accurate IDs would limit the ability to update gender information on IDs and records, putting transgender and nonbinary people at risk of discrimination, harassment and violence.
Free speech and expression bans seek to limit access to books about LGBTQ+ experiences, prohibit performances like drag shows and censor other public expressions of LGBTQ+ identity.
Healthcare restrictions aim to limit access to medically-necessary health care for transgender people through funding, age and prison restrictions.
Public accommodations bans seek to prohibit transgender and nonbinary people from using facilities like public bathrooms and locker rooms – hindering their ability to participate in public life.
Student and educator rights are being threatened through forced outing in schools, school sports bans and curriculum censorship bills. By limiting resources and opportunities, these bills create a hostile learning for LGBTQ+ youth.
Civil rights restrictions attempt to weaken protections for LGBTQ+ people under the law. This includes re-definition of sex bills targeting trans and nonbinary people and religious exemptions bills that would allow institutions to turn away LGBTQ people or refuse them equal treatment.
Other anti-LGBTQ bills include ongoing bans on marriage and bills preempting local nondiscrimination protections.
If you or someone you know has been discriminated against based on sexual orientation, gender identity or HIV status, submit a report to the ACLU.
