In every corner of our country, there are parents and children, teachers and nurses, community leaders and small business owners who are afraid that the rise in legislative assaults and political extremism has put a target on their backs. LGBTQ+ people are living in fear, and such fear has no place in the United States of America.
Thus, we have declared this state of emergency. In addition, we have issued a guidebook to help
LGBTQ+ Americans stay safe as they navigate these new anti-LGBTQ+ laws—whether they are
deciding to move, planning a vacation, or searching for a new job. We have also compiled a
report that details the impact of these laws for advocates, policymakers, and the media. I have
submitted both into the record for your reference.
Although this is a state of emergency, I believe that we still live in a land of possibility and a
nation that prides itself on progress. For every Missouri, there is a Minnesota, which recently
passed a statewide ban on so-called “conversion therapy.” For every Florida, there is a Michigan,
which recently became the 22nd state to make LGBTQ+ non-discrimination protections law. For
every Texas, there is a Pennsylvania, which is on the cusp of becoming the 23rd. For every
Defense of Marriage Act, there is a Respect for Marriage Act. And for every extremist, there are
many more Americans who support LGBTQ+ rights.
Our nation is greater than hate -- and we must act now to end this emergency and secure equality
for every American, without exception.
-- Kelly Robinson (Human Rights Campaign) testifying before the US Senate (see Friday's "Iraq snapshot" ).