The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) has raised alarms about an “unprecedented onslaught” of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in the US Congress, marking a significant step back for civil rights in the country. A new report from the organization reveals that the 118th Congress has seen a surge in efforts to roll back protections for LGBTQ+ individuals, with over 100 anti-LGBTQ+ provisions attached to essential bills that are required to keep the government functioning.
One of the most concerning tactics highlighted in the report is the insertion of discriminatory riders into so-called “must-pass” bills—critical legislative measures like the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which is typically necessary to ensure the continuity of government operations. Among the proposals were provisions that aimed to ban enforcement of civil rights protections, restrict access to healthcare for trans individuals, and dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. These efforts reflect a broader shift towards embedding anti-LGBTQ+ policies into the fabric of governmental processes, using crucial legislation as a vehicle for pushing a regressive agenda.
While the onslaught has been intense, pro-LGBTQ+ lawmakers have managed to push back. In the NDAA, more than 50 anti-LGBTQ+ riders were defeated before the bill’s passage in December. This reflects the determination of equality advocates to fight back against the rise in discriminatory laws. At the same time, there have been notable victories in recent years, including the increasing visibility of openly LGBTQ+ officials and the historic appointment of Laphonza Butler, the first Black lesbian senator in US history.
HRC President Kelley Robinson acknowledged both the challenges and the triumphs, stating that while conservative lawmakers are intensifying their efforts to roll back civil rights, pro-LGBTQ+ officials have held firm. “Leadership matters,” Robinson said, emphasizing the role of lawmakers who have fought back against these attacks and have sought to protect the rights of the LGBTQ+ community. The resilience of these lawmakers, coupled with the increasing representation of LGBTQ+ individuals in key political and judicial positions, has provided hope to many, but the ongoing legislative battles illustrate the precarious nature of the progress made so far.
The impact on the LGBTQ+ community is profound. Every legislative attack on healthcare and fundamental freedoms adds to the stress and uncertainty faced by LGBTQ+ individuals, especially trans people, who remain a primary target of the restrictions. Ensuring that such regressive policies are defeated remains crucial not just for the continued progress of LGBTQ+ rights, but for the broader struggle for equality in the United States.