A look at restrictions on LGBTQ+ people in the US, and the pushback

A federal judge’s surprising decision on Tuesday temporarily halted the implementation of a Florida law that prohibits transgender youth from receiving medical treatment.

This ruling comes in the midst of a wave of legislation in various state legislatures this year, imposing restrictions on gender-affirming care for transgender minors.

Meanwhile, LGBTQ+ communities and their allies are actively organizing Pride events and advocating for resistance against what they perceive as discriminatory laws.

Here are the latest updates on these developments:

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN FLORIDA?

A federal judge issued a temporary block on certain provisions of a recently enacted Florida law that prevents transgender minors from accessing puberty blockers.

Judge Robert Hinkle emphasized that gender identity is valid and ruled that the state lacks a rational basis for denying medical treatment to patients.

The judge’s decision allows three transgender children to continue receiving treatment while a lawsuit filed by their parents challenges the law. The law was signed by Republican Governor Ron DeSantis shortly before he announced his presidential candidacy.

The judge’s ruling specifically focuses on the use of puberty blockers known as GnRH agonists and cross-sex hormones. It does not address other language in the legislation that makes it extremely challenging, if not impossible, for adults to access or continue gender-affirming care.

LOUISIANA’S RESTRICTIONS

The Louisiana Senate has passed a bill that prohibits gender-affirming medical care for transgender youths. The bill, which includes a ban on hormone treatments, gender-affirming surgery, and puberty-blocking drugs for minors, is now awaiting approval from Governor John Bel Edwards.

The House has already passed the bill and is expected to make some amendments before it reaches the governor’s desk. Governor Edwards, a Democrat, has not indicated whether he intends to veto the legislation. If he does, lawmakers may convene a veto session to attempt an override.

During the previous session, Governor Edwards chose not to block a law banning transgender athletes from participating in women and girls sports competitions in Louisiana, although he successfully vetoed a similar measure the year before.

In addition, Louisiana legislators are expected to finalize the passage of two other anti-LGBTQ+ measures: a “Don’t Say Gay” bill and a bill that restricts pronoun usage.

AN LGBTQ+ ‘EMERGENCY’

The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) has declared a “state of emergency” for LGBTQ+ individuals in the United States. The organization is urging individuals in government and the business community to advocate for equal rights.

HRC President Kelley Robinson emphasized the immediate need for champions to support the LGBTQ+ community. To assist LGBTQ+ Americans in navigating discriminatory laws in certain states, the campaign has released a guidebook that provides information on individuals’ rights and resources for relocating to states with stronger LGBTQ+ protections.

As the largest organization dedicated to LGBTQ+ rights, the Human Rights Campaign believes that travel advisories alone are insufficient to assist individuals already residing in states where lawmakers have targeted the LGBTQ+ community.

FLAG CONTROVERSY IN MISSISSIPPI

Protests have arisen among residents after the Veterans Administration (VA) displayed an LGBTQ+ pride flag at Mississippi’s Biloxi National Cemetery.

All Republican members of the state’s congressional delegation signed a letter demanding the removal of the flag, while the only Democratic representative, Rep. Bennie Thompson, did not sign.

The rainbow flag was added to a lineup of several U.S. flags last week to commemorate Pride Month, in line with Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough’s authorization to fly the pride flag at all VA facilities throughout June, a practice upheld in previous years.

The VA stated that the flag is being flown to demonstrate its commitment to inclusivity and as a tribute to LGBTQ+ veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors.

NATIONAL STATUS OF TRANSGENDER BANS

LGBTQ+ advocates have reported an unprecedented number of bills proposed across state legislatures that aim to restrict the rights of transgender people.

Apart from Florida, at least 18 states have enacted laws that restrict or ban gender-affirming medical care for transgender minors. These states include Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, South Dakota, and West Virginia.

Federal judges have issued injunctions to block the enforcement of laws in Alabama and Arkansas, while Oklahoma has agreed not to enforce its ban while opponents seek a temporary court order to block it.

All major medical associations, including the American Medical Association, have opposed these bans and expressed support for providing appropriate care to transgender youth.

Lawsuits challenging the bans have been filed in several states where they have been enacted this year.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about LGBTQ+ restrictions in the US and resistance: Transgender Bans

More about LGBTQ+ restrictions in the US and resistance: Transgender Bans

• Human Rights Campaign – Official website of the Human Rights Campaign, the largest LGBTQ+ rights organization in the United States.
• American Medical Association – Official website of the American Medical Association, which provides resources and statements on LGBTQ+ healthcare and opposes the bans on gender-affirming care.
• ACLU LGBTQ Rights – Information from the American Civil Liberties Union about LGBTQ+ rights and ongoing legal challenges.
• National Center for Transgender Equality – Nonprofit organization advocating for the rights of transgender people, providing resources and information on transgender rights and policy issues.
• Movement Advancement Project – Research and policy organization providing information on LGBTQ+ issues, including state-level legislation and legal protections.