New laws offering greater protections for New Mexico s LGBTQ+ community are taking effect in the coming days as diversity is celebrated during June s Pride Month. A new state law establishes a broader slate of protections for LGBTQ+ people by defining gender and sex, and expanding existing definitions of sexual orientation and gender identity. Marshall Martinez, executive director of Equality New Mexico, cited polling which found 71% of residents say they have an LGBTQ+ family member, co-worker, friend or neighbor. .
South Dakota s ban on gender-affirming care for transgender youth is scheduled to go into effect on July 1. But opponents are looking into what the future holds for the policy after a similar law in Arkansas suffered a legal defeat. This week, a federal judge issued a permanent injunction against the Arkansas law, the first state to ban such care. .
Human rights voices are calling attention to new North Dakota laws deemed hostile toward LGBTQ+ individuals, saying it is part of a movement led by national groups, and does not align with how the state governs itself. The recent legislative session saw North Dakota and its GOP-led Legislature take a big leap into so-called "culture wars" by passing laws such as one banning gender-affirming care for transgender youths. Geoff Wetrosky, national campaign director for the Human Rights Campaign, said in the U.S., there have been nearly 1,700 such bills in the past decade. .
The culture war over transgender identity is spreading in GOP-led states, and Texas is among those passing the harshest laws. The Human Rights Campaign said almost 30% of trans youth live in states that have passed bans on gender-affirming care. Last week, the Texas Legislature passed Senate Bill 14, which essentially bans such care for kids under 18. .
Advocates for the LGBTQ community are celebrating following New Hampshire s rejection of a so-called "parental bill of rights." Two Republicans crossed party lines to help defeat the bill, which would have required educators to inform inquiring parents whether their children are using a different gender identity or name. Attorney Chris Erchull with GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders said it was the right move to ensure schools remain a safe and supportive place, especially for transgender kids. "So many allies, so many faith leaders, so many parents all coming together to stand united to tell the legislature this is not what we want in our state," said Erchull. " .