Push to restrict LGBTQ+ rights hits a snag in state legislatures
Source: Washington Post
Push to restrict LGBTQ+ rights hits a snag in state legislatures
By Casey Parks
April 29, 2024 at 6:00 a.m. EDT
Lawmakers introduced a record number of bills targeting gay and transgender Americans this year, but hardly any have passed, raising questions about whether the push to restrict LGBTQ+ rights is losing momentum.
The bills sought to regulate everything from which bathrooms transgender people can use to whether Pride flags can be raised in public buildings. Similar bills sailed through state legislatures in recent years. This year, they failed even in states where Republicans have supermajorities and governors demanded wins.
So far, just 20 bills have passed, according to the American Civil Liberties Union, down from more than 75 last year.
Strategists on both sides say Republicans appear increasingly unwilling to stake their reelections on cultural issues. Though many Americans support policies such as banning trans girls and women from playing on sports teams that match their gender identity, polls have found that the issues aren’t especially important to voters. Few Republicans have parlayed the issues into electoral success, and as politicians in swing states ask for votes, some may be feeling risk averse.
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By Casey Parks
Casey Parks is a reporter on The Washington Post's America team.
Read more: https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2024/04/29/lgbtq-legislation-trans-bills/
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