Huge backlash against transgender people in the US

Activists in the USA have warned of an “alarming onslaught of legislation nationwide targeting transgender people, and particularly children.”

As the gay and lesbian community celebrates advances in marriage equality and as trans issues are increasingly highlighted in the mainstream media, conservative lawmakers in the county have responded with a bitter backlash against the LGBT community.

On Monday, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) released a report revealing that an unprecedented 44 anti-transgender bills are currently being considered in 16 states.

According to the group, some of the proposed laws undercut the ability of transgender people to access gender-affirming health care; some create state-sanctioned avenues of anti-transgender discrimination; and others deny transgender people access to bathrooms, locker rooms, and athletic teams consistent with their gender identity.

The disturbing proliferation of anti-trans bills, including 23 that target children in schools and school sports, is part of a stunning surge of more than 175 anti-LGBT bills in 32 states this year.

“This deeply disturbing trend is a stark reminder of just how vicious and deplorable opponents of equality are in their relentless attacks against our community,” said HRC President Chad Griffin.

He promised to “continue to work with our state and national partners to vigorously oppose and work to defeat legislation that threatens the fundamental human rights of transgender people.”

In November, anti-LGBT campaigners succeeded in using a “trans panic” campaign to repeal an equal rights law in Houston.

They cynically warned that the measure, which would have allowed transgender people to use the public bathroom of their choice, would place women and children in danger from sexual predators.

“Fear and a lack of understanding of transgender people are driving these egregious measures, which are addressing phantom problems, and have the potential of risking the safety, security and well-being of transgender people, including children, across the nation,” said HRC in a statement.