Friend,

We’ve already sent you several emails and flooded your social media with news and action alerts about the Administration’s anti-LGBTQ appointees and attacks on immigrants and refugees. So, I’m proud to showcase this Trump-free newsletter, highlighting victories from across the country.

There is hope. Together we will create equality town by town, city by city, state by state. Check out the progress and be sure to share some of this good news with your friends.

In solidarity,

Rebecca Isaacs
Executive Director

Anti-Transgender Bathroom Laws Shot Down

Proposed anti-transgender bathroom ban laws were shot down today in Indiana and Virginia, and the House Speaker in Texas said a similar proposal was not a high priority and warned that it could be bad for business.

Victory! Colorado RFRA Bill (HB1013) Dies in Committee

On Wednesday last week, Colorado House Bill 1013, a religious exemption bill, died in committee for the third year in a row. The bill, the Colorado Freedom of Conscience Protection Act, was essentially a state RFRA. However, the language of the bill would have established a more rigorous legal test for any law that might be considered a burden to someone’s religious beliefs. HB1013 was voted down by a margin of 6-3.

Watch: Freedom Oklahoma Leads Resistance Against Anti-LGBTQ Attacks

Last year Federation member Freedom Oklahoma led the defeat of 27 anti-LGBTQ bills, and this year they are ready to continue their winning streak on behalf of every Oklahoman who values fairness and equality for all. Earlier this week, they hosted 150 people interested in advocating for equality.

Victory! Wyoming RFRA Bill (HB135) Withdrawn

On Thursday last week, Wyoming’s state legislature withdrew House Bill 135. HB135 would have allowed businesses, state and local governments to discriminate against LGBTQ people. The bill would also have eliminated Laramie’s 2015 LGBTQ nondiscrimination ordinance. Had the bill been allowed to go to the floor, it could have been among the worst religious exemption bills in the country.

Equality Utah Seeks Injunction in Landmark Case

In October, Equality Utah made history by filing a lawsuit against Utah’s state education office. The lawsuit challenges a curriculum law that prohibits discussing homosexuality in a positive way. On January 25th, Equality Utah asked the federal court for an injunction to prevent the enforcement of these state curriculum laws.

Georgia Lawmakers Introduce Historic Civil Rights Bill

The bill represents the first time a civil rights bill that includes nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ people was introduced in the state.

Our Youth Belong in Schools Not Prisons Op-ed by Rebecca Isaacs, co-authored by Liz Ryan

On any given day upwards of 50,000 young people are living apart from their families in detention centers, youth prisons, and other facilities as a direct result of our nation’s broken juvenile justice system. Another 5,500 youth are held in adult jails and prisons. The financial cost, passed on to taxpayers, of caging thousands of children — more than any other country in the world — far exceeds the cost of providing therapeutic alternatives and educational opportunities. The tragic untold cost, however, is the emotional and physical toll on our youth, families, and communities.