A national organization has scored Alabama poorly on its treatment of LGBTQ residents and on its lack of policies that specifically protect them.
The Human Rights Campaign Foundation and the Equality Federation, which both advocate for more portections of LGBTQ people, recently released the The State Equality Index, a survey of different states’ commitment to LGBTQ+ equality.
Alabama lacks inclusive laws and support for LGBTQ+ parents, restricts LGBTQ+ participation in wellness policies and youth support programs and asks some educators to avoid discussing LGBTQ topics with students, according to the report.
In 2022, Gov. Kay Ivey signed a law that stops certain educators from talking about LGBTQ topics with students. The state also stops students from using bathrooms and from playing on sports teams that do not match a child’s gender as assigned at birth.
“The State Equality Index tells us where we have been, and sets the course for where we want to go,” said Kelley Robinson, president of the Human Rights Campaign. “Last year was the most damaging and destructive legislative session we have ever seen for the LGBTQ+ community – particularly transgender youth. This year, sadly, we expect more of the same. But these attacks are out of touch with the American people – and they are a losing political strategy. We are the majority, and we will not stop until we are setting new records in support of LGBTQ+ people in every corner of the country.”
Anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been introduced in 36 state legislatures, according to the report, leading some families to consider relocation due to health and safety concerns.
Last year, HRC called a “state of emergency” due to increased hate crimes against LGBTQ+ individuals and state rollbacks of gender-affirming health care.
“As the 2023 State Equality Index shows, this past legislative session marked one of the most daunting periods for transgender rights, requiring effective strategies and relentless advocacy from folks on the ground,” said Fran Hutchins, executive director of the Equality Federation Institute, according to the news release.
However, the report also noted that some states are adding protections for LGBTQ residents.
