NC LGBTQ Advocates Push Back Against Discriminatory Bills Amid Pride Month

Source: The News & Observer

As a host of anti-LGBTQ bills are introduced across the U.S., advocates, elected leaders and communities are centering discussions surrounding key issues throughout Pride Month. In North Carolina, LGBTQ+ groups are condemning discriminatory bills and seeking protections for trans youth.

“We are united, unwavering, to protecting the progress we’ve made, creating safer and more supportive environments for our youth, and ensuring all individuals regardless of their gender identity can live free from discrimination and fear,” stated Gaby Garcia-Vera, interim deputy director of La Fuerza NC, at a rally earlier this month

In the past year, state Republican lawmakers have passed bills that banned transgender women from participating in sports aligned with their gender identity, banned gender-affirming medical care and erased LGBTQ+ curricula in schools.

According to the American Civil Liberties Union, over 500 anti-LGBTQ bills were introduced in state legislatures across the country last year. Eighty-four of those discriminatory bills became laws.

This year, more than 475 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been proposed, with North Carolina Republican lawmakers introducing six so far

On the campaign trail, the Republican gubernatorial candidate Mark Robinson has alluded to bringing back controversial measures from the “bathroom bill” that led to national headlines and economic boycotts in North Carolina. 

According to The News & Observer, Trump said he would repeal an executive order issued by the Biden administration that includes sexual orientation and gender identity as protected classes under Title IX.

“With Joe Biden, we have a president who fights for the freedom and respect and the dignity of every American — no matter who they are or who they love,” stated Rep. Marcia Morey at the rally. “With Donald Trump, we are all at risk.”

Share:

More Posts

Trump’s federal freeze threatens disaster relief, school funding, state patrol in NC

The freeze would result in North Carolina losing billions of dollars in funding for disaster relief, public schools, and state agencies. Though the order was temporarily blocked by a federal judge, Rep. Deborah Ross explained that it has left state and federal officials confused on how to proceed. She remains hopeful that it will not be allowed to pass but expressed the importance of understanding what is at risk.

Eastern North Carolinians Head to Court to Challenge Republican Gerrymandering

Two voters will make their case that Republicans illegally split Black communities in Eastern North Carolina among several electoral districts — effectively diluting their voting power. Courts have previously ruled that racial gerrymandering violates the Equal Protection Clause of the Constitution because it amounts to a discriminatory voting practice.

Thom Tillis Struggles to Find a Position on Trump’s Tariffs

North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis (R) is continuing to struggle when asked about tariffs, careful not to criticize Trump while signaling his anxiety over the policy. Tillis was previously censured by the state GOP for holding views contrary to MAGA and now appears wary of stepping out of line with the movement.