Gay advocacy group declares national 'state of emergency' for LGBTQ individuals

The largest LGBTQ rights group in the United States declared a state of emergency for such individuals within the U.S. on Tuesday over a series of laws addressing their community that have passed this year.

The Human Rights Campaign identified at least 75 laws they deemed "anti-LGBTQ+" that have been enacted in 2023. 

"LGBTQ+ Americans are living in a state of emergency," said HRC President Kelley Robinson. "The multiplying threats facing millions in our community are not just perceived — they are real, tangible and dangerous. In many cases they are resulting in violence against LGBTQ+ people, forcing families to uproot their lives and flee their homes in search of safer states, and triggering a tidal wave of increased homophobia and transphobia that puts the safety of each and every one of us at risk."

The group specifically pointed to bans on transgender participation on sports teams aligning with their gender identity that have been passed in 21 states, as well as bans on gender-related treatments for minors in 20.

HRC previously partnered with Equality Florida, the Sunshine State's largest LGBTQ advocacy group, to issue a travel advisory warning gay individuals not to visit Florida.

"Because of Ron DeSantis and his frenzied appeal to extremists, LGBTQ+ people in Florida are finding themselves in a state of emergency every single day. Since the day he took office, Governor DeSantis has weaponized his position to weave bigotry, hate, and discrimination into public law for his own political gain," Robinson said in late May.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on Twitter.