The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), a leading LGBTQ+ advocacy group, has released its annual state-by-state scorecard, painting a disturbing picture of the current legislative landscape for LGBTQ+ rights in the United States. The 2023 State Equality Index documents what the HRC describes as “state-sanctioned discrimination,” highlighting a nationwide move toward limiting rights and protections, especially for the transgender and non-binary communities.
This year’s report is particularly alarming, with over 550 bills introduced, out of which more than 290 specifically target LGBTQ+ youth. The increase in legislation aimed at healthcare and safety is stark, rising from 49 in 2022 to 195 in the last year. According to the HRC, this surge in discriminatory legislation marks an unprecedented threat to the LGBTQ+ community, with a focus on the most vulnerable – transgender youth.
The Harsh Reality for Transgender Youth
The statistics are startling: over 35% of transgender youth aged 13 to 17 now reside in states that have enacted bans on gender-affirming care, and over half live in states contemplating such bans. States like Florida are at the forefront of this legislative push, with expanded laws that not only restrict healthcare for transgender youth but also extend these limitations to transitioning adults.
Kelley Robinson, the HRC president, asserts, “Last year was the most damaging and destructive legislative session we have ever seen for the LGBTQ+ community, particularly transgender youth.” She anticipates a continuation of these trends but remains hopeful, believing that such attacks are out of touch with the broader American populace and will ultimately fail as a political strategy.
The HRC, in collaboration with the Equality Federation, assessed each state’s laws and policies across various domains, including parenting, religious refusal, relationship recognition, non-discrimination, hate crime, criminal justice, youth, and health and safety. The findings are bleak, with 23 states, all under Republican control, falling into the lowest-rated category, signaling a high priority for achieving basic equality.
A Glimmer of Hope Amidst the Darkness
Despite the dire situation, the report does highlight some victories for the LGBTQ+ community. The number of pro-equality bills passed more than doubled in 2023, with significant strides made in states like Michigan and Minnesota. Michigan expanded the Elliot Larsen Civil Rights Act to include protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity, while Minnesota banned conversion therapy and declared itself a sanctuary for youth seeking gender-affirming healthcare.
Fran Hutchins, executive director of the Equality Federation Institute, acknowledges the challenging legislative environment but emphasizes the resilience and power of queer and trans communities. The fight against these bills, she notes, demonstrates the strength and effectiveness of advocacy and activism within the LGBTQ+ community.
In summary, the 2023 State Equality Index by HRC lays bare the troubling state of LGBTQ+ rights in America. It underscores the need for continued vigilance and advocacy to protect and advance the rights of all members of the LGBTQ+ community.