Equality California, California state Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), LGBTQ Victory Institute and Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California announced the national, queer-led rollout of trans refuge state legislation in 16 states, according to a press release from Equality California.
In response to recent executive and legislative action in states like Alabama and Texas, these trans refuge laws will shield trans kids and their families from penalties when seeking gender-affirming care.
In addition to legislation that Wiener already introduced in California; in New York, by Assemblymember Harry Bronson and state Sen. Brad Hoylman; and in Minnesota, by state Sen. Scott Dibble, 21 LGBTQ+ lawmakers representing 16 states committed May 3 to introduce similar measures in Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington and West Virginia.
In Illinois, state Reps. Kelly Cassidy and Lamont Robinson will be part of the national effort.
“When trans kids’ lives are on the line, playing defense doesn’t cut it. It’s time to play offense. We are using the collective power of LGBTQ state legislators all across the nation to launch a counter-offensive that aims to protect trans kids and parents while also demonstrating that there is a positive agenda for trans people that lawmakers can support. While LGBTQ elected officials will fight tooth and nail to get these passed in every state, now we need allies to step up to help us get it done. And even in states that have little chance of these bills advancing, the message it sends is still incredibly important: trans kids need to know they have leaders standing up and fighting for them,” said LGBTQ Victory Institute President & CEO Mayor Annise Parker.