Florida’s anti-LGBTQ laws are driving transgender people out of state, according to a survey by Human Rights Campaign which fights for LGBTQ rights around the country.
Don’t Say Gay Bill
Since signing the infamous Parental Rights in Education Act, known as the “Don’t Say Gay” bill, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has continued by enacting a slate of laws targeting the state’s LGBTQ community.
Banning Gender-Affirming Services
Some of these measures include banning gender-affirming services for minors and making it more difficult for transgender adults to get healthcare.
More Penalties
Most recently, the Florida State Board of Education appointed by DeSantis voted unanimously to add more penalties to a new law barring transgender students and staff at state colleges across Florida, from using facilities such as restrooms and locker rooms that are consistent with their gender identity.
Severe Consequences
The legislators also added sharp penalties to the law under which colleges will have to fire employees who use a bathroom other than the one that coordinates with their sex at birth more than twice.
Some States Are No-Go
Two-thirds of LGBTQ people would not consider moving to a state with a gender-affirming care ban, according to the survey.
A Reason to Move
A third of LGBTQ people, including more than half of trans and non-binary people, said that if their state introduced a ban like that, that they would consider moving out, or they had already moved or started moving.
Violations Disciplined
The proposal adopted by the board dictates that employees should be disciplined should they violate the Florida law that requires individuals to use bathrooms that align with their sex assigned at birth.
Avoiding Florida
A new study by The Human Rights Campaign Foundation shows that LGBTQ people are staying away from states with legislation banning this care, including Florida.
Services Included
Gender-affirming care can range from social services including changing names, hormones and special medical services for trans individuals.
Differing Perspectives
DeSantis and Florida legislators say that these laws make Florida safer for children and safeguard parents’ rights.
A Hostile Environment
LGBTQ advocates and the trangender community in the state say that they create a hostile environment in the state that has many gay and transgender communities.
Travel Advice
The Human Rights Campaign and Equality Florida issued a travel advisory for LGBTQ+ people coming to Florida.
In Denial
LGBTQ activists say that recent attacks on gender-affirming care around the country, including Florida, are baseless.
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The post Florida Republicans Facing Accusations of LGBT Exodus as Allegations of Discrimination Emerge After Gay and Transgender Citizens Seek Refuge in Other States first appeared on Mama Say What?!
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