The United Nations National Human Rights Committee (UNHRC) has issued a critical assessment of the United States’ record on LGBTQ+ rights, spotlighting a wave of discriminatory state legislation enacted in 2023. This review, part of the UNHRC’s four-year evaluation cycle under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), marks the first examination of the US’s human rights practices in nine years, delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Specific Criticisms and Recommendations
In its report, the UNHRC highlighted numerous bills passed in US state legislatures that severely limit LGBTQ+ rights, particularly targeting transgender individuals with restrictions on gender-affirming care, restroom access, and school sports participation. The committee urged the US to repeal these discriminatory state laws and bolster efforts to combat violence and discrimination against LGBTQ+ persons, including in areas like housing, health, employment, and correctional facilities.
Surge in Anti-LGBTQ+ Bills in the US
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has reported an alarming increase in anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, with over 500 bills introduced since early 2023. Independent journalist Erin Reed’s assessment points to at least 532 bills specifically targeting transgender people. States like Kansas, Tennessee, Montana, Oklahoma, and North Dakota, along with Florida under Governor Ron DeSantis, have been identified as particularly hostile environments for LGBTQ+ individuals.
Human Rights Campaign’s Warning Against Travel to Florida
The situation in Florida has escalated to the point where human rights organizations, including the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), have issued travel advisories to LGBTQ+ individuals, cautioning them about the state’s increasingly discriminatory policies. HRC president Kelley Robinson emphasized solidarity with LGBTQ+ residents in Florida and the continued effort to improve the state’s human rights landscape.
UN Acknowledges Positive Legislative Steps
Despite the overarching concerns, the UN report did acknowledge some positive developments in the US, such as the passage of the Respect for Marriage Act in late 2022, which safeguarded marriage equality. Additionally, it recognized the expansion of the Affordable Care Act in June 2023 to improve access to contraception and birth control for women.
The UN’s review of the United States’ human rights record highlights a worrying trend of increased anti-LGBTQ+ legislation across various states. While there have been some legislative advances, the overall landscape for LGBTQ+ rights in the US presents significant challenges and disparities. The UNHRC’s report serves as a call to action for the US to address and rectify these issues to uphold its commitment to human rights for all its citizens, particularly marginalized communities.