TL;DR
- Kentucky set to pass a bill limiting trans rights.
- The bill classifies trans people as mentally ill.
- Trans teachers will be banned from certification.
- Doctors must use outdated terms for diagnoses.
- Fast-tracked voting process with no debate.
Hold onto your rainbow flags, folks, because Kentucky is about to make a monumental misstep in the fight for trans rights. The Bluegrass State is on track to pass a bill that not only declares transgender individuals mentally ill but also bans trans teachers from working in schools. Yes, you heard that right. This is not just a bad dream; it’s the reality that Kentucky lawmakers are pushing forward.
State senator Gex Williams, the mastermind behind this outrageous amendment to House Bill 759, has proposed a measure that doesn’t even bother to mention trans people directly. Instead, it sets a chilling precedent by forbidding the certification of teachers who have been diagnosed with or treated for any “disorder that is excluded from the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.” Talk about a sneaky way to target the LGBTQ+ community!
The ADA clearly outlines a list of “disorders” that are not protected by law, including the outdated terms “gender identity disorders” and “transexualism.” Other disorders on this shameful list include pedophilia and kleptomania—yes, you read that right. Williams, in a statement to the Herald-Leader, said, “Those who continue to promote such transitions and gender confusion or are themselves confused should not have teaching certificates giving them the privilege of having care, custody and control of Kentucky’s most valuable asset, our children.” Because nothing says “protecting children” like denying qualified educators their rights.
But wait, there’s more! This bill also requires doctors in Kentucky to diagnose these so-called disorders using definitions from the DSM III, which means they’ll have to revert to using antiquated terms like “transexualism” and “gender identity disorder.” This is a huge step backward, as it reclassifies being trans as a mental illness for the first time since 2013. What’s next? Are we going to start using typewriters in the classroom too?
As of March 28, Senate Republican leadership has put this bill on the consent orders for March 31, which is a fast-tracked process meant for “uncontroversial bills.” This means that the bill will be voted on without any debate beforehand. If no other Senators oppose Williams’ amendments, it will be passed by default. Talk about a lack of transparency!
It’s a dark day for trans rights in Kentucky, and it’s crucial that we keep our eyes on this situation. The implications of this bill are not just local; they resonate throughout the entire LGBTQ+ community. If Kentucky can get away with this, what’s to stop other states from following suit? We must continue to advocate for our rights and push back against this kind of discrimination.
Stay tuned as this story develops, and remember: the fight for trans rights is far from over. We’ll keep you updated on any changes and how you can help in this battle for equality.