In 2023, US state lawmakers have been busy introducing anti-LGBTQ+ bills at an alarming rate, with over 425 introduced this year – more than the combined total of the past five years.
While these bills vary in scope, over 20 have already been enacted into law and 127 focus on limiting healthcare for transgender individuals.
Amidst this wave of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, some states have taken steps to protect LGBTQ rights. Utah, for instance, has codified a ban on conversion therapy for minors, joining 19 other states with similar laws.
At the federal level, two Republican-introduced bills affecting LGBTQ+ students in schools are not expected to pass in a Democrat-controlled Senate. Still, their introduction alone has stirred fear among young LGBTQ+ individuals, according to the mental health advocacy group The Trevor Project.
Anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in 2023 categories:
- Healthcare Bans: 11 states, including Utah, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Iowa, Mississippi, South Dakota, Tennessee, West Virginia, Idaho, and Indiana, have enacted bills restricting or banning gender-affirming care for transgender and nonbinary minors. These bans mainly target prescribing puberty blockers and hormone protocols.
- Drag Bans: Conservative lawmakers have proposed banning drag performances outside adult-only venues. Tennessee became the first state to pass such a bill, although a federal judge temporarily blocked it.
- Bathroom Bans: Iowa, Idaho, and Arkansas have passed legislation prohibiting transgender children from using school bathrooms corresponding to their gender identity.
- Sports Bans: Wyoming became the 19th state to ban transgender youth from participating in school sports teams that match their gender identity. Some states, like Texas, have proposed extending these bans to college athletes.
- Gag Rules: Arkansas and Kentucky joined Florida in enacting rules that ban teachers from discussing gender identity and sexual orientation with children up to a certain grade.
- Other Laws: Utah enacted a law requiring parental approval for a child’s name change or gender transition to be noted in school files. Kentucky’s SB 150 allows teachers to avoid using a child’s correct pronouns.
While some states are working to protect LGBTQ rights, the rapid increase in anti-trans legislation raises concerns for the LGBTQ+ community’s well-being and safety across the country.
