CNS News–Human rights organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union of Texas, Equality Texas, GLAAD, and the Human Rights Campaign, have come together to submit a comprehensive report to various United Nations Special Rapporteurs. The report calls attention to what they describe as a deteriorating human rights situation for LGBTQ+ individuals in Texas, particularly in light of recent anti-LGBTQ+ legislation.
The joint allegation letter, spanning 37 pages, was submitted with the support of the Human Rights Clinic at the University of Texas at Austin School of Law. It highlights the impact of legislative sessions in Texas, which saw the introduction of over 140 anti-LGBTQ+ bills. These laws have led to significant changes in healthcare access, education, sports participation, and cultural expression for LGBTQ+ individuals in the state.
Among the legislation examined in the report is S.B. 14, which prohibits healthcare treatments for transgender youth, and S.B. 15, which bars transgender athletes from collegiate sports. The report also delves into the consequences of laws that threaten drag performances, censor school libraries, and undermine local non-discrimination ordinances.
The report raises concerns about discrimination and the hostile environment created by these laws, affecting various aspects of LGBTQ+ individuals’ lives, from healthcare access to education. It emphasizes that the governor and other leaders have a responsibility to ensure the safety and freedom of all Texans, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
United Nations urged to investigate Texas’ anti-LGBTQ+ legislation as ‘human rights crisis’ (exclusive)
https://t.co/n1Q0HbfHCc— Charlie Adler (@charlie_adler) January 22, 2024
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Ricardo Martinez, the CEO of Equality Texas, expressed deep concerns about LGBTQ+ rights in Texas, stating that these laws have made life difficult for LGBTQ+ individuals in the state. He emphasized the importance of raising awareness at the international level, highlighting the unique challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community in Texas.
GLAAD president and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis also characterized the situation as a human rights crisis and called on the international community to take note of the discrimination faced by LGBTQ+ Texans.
The report and its submission to United Nations Special Rapporteurs reflect a growing concern about the impact of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation on human rights and civil liberties in Texas. It remains to be seen how the international community will respond to these allegations and whether it will bring further attention to the issue.