Securing the LGBT Community: Top Five States That Need to Catch Up
Homeland Insecurities
Here we go again, the nation is under an intense debate about ISIS…
…wait, the economy…
…wait, electoral politics…
…wait, no, I’m sorry, actually we are discussing bathroom etiquette.
5 ‘n Dime is not here to try to sway your opinion, or tell you the “right” perspective on the bathroom transgender debate — but lest you wonder why this post is in a publication about Homeland Security, we are here to talk about the securing of our nation and its citizens. The homeland is our cultural geography, our place. Security is about protecting what is most vulnerable.
Protecting American ideas, objects, and people is the business of Homeland Security, and discrimination preys on the vulnerable. These are the top five states that need to play catch up in acknowledging and protecting the rights of the LGBT community.
5. Tennessee
Shhhh…don’t say gay.
We can’t make this stuff up. Tennessee and some of the other states on this list have “don’t say gay” laws, banning educators from discussing LGBT people or issues in schools. Many believe laws of this sort mean that educators can’t talk about gay issues or sexuality, even with students who may be gay or have a gay family member. Is this a classic social issue that should stay out of the classroom or are these states cheating their youth on awareness and history? No amount of sticking one’s head in the sand changes the reality of the world — some people aren’t like you. Is that enough of a reason not to like you?
Catch up, Tennessee.
4. Alabama
Workplace discrimination.
I will never forget my first job with the federal government and Human Resources stopped by to conduct training for workplace discrimination. This employee spoke to our agency about a scenario in which a woman had been treated badly by her boss because she was lesbian, and he explained that the law could not protect her. President Obama has since signed an Executive Order that requires protections for LGBT individuals, but this type of anti-discrimination law pertaining to employment is not standard. Are we really okay with saying that an employer can throw everything out the window regarding the bottom line of why we’re employed — i.e., to do a job — and accept that we can be treated poorly simply because of who we are? Is discrimination okay, just because no one has said we can’t?
Catch up, Alabama.
3. Mississippi
So much for the Constitution.
In April of 2016, U.S. District Judge Dan Jordan banned an outdated anti-adoption law for same sex couples. That same month, the Mississippi Governor signed HB1523, “The Religious Liberty Accommodations Act.” According to the Human Rights Campaign:
More than 75 major national corporations and businesses have spoken out against the horrific legislation, that would allow individuals, religious organizations, and private associations to use religion to discriminate against LGBT Mississippians in some of the most important aspects of their lives, including at work, at schools, and in their communities.
Among other effect, these kinds of laws allow taxpayer-funded, faith-based organizations to refuse to recognize the marriages of same-sex couples for provision of critical services, including emergency shelter; deny children in need of loving homes placement with LGBT families, including the child’s own family member; and refuse to sell or rent a for-profit home to an LGBT person, even if the organization receives government funding. So much for equality. This is ridiculous.
Catch up, Mississippi.
2. South Dakota
I don’t want to hear it!
South Dakota and others have a state ban on local schools and districts from passing anti-discrimination laws for LGBT students. We hoped that jurisdictions would staying up to date, since the U.S. Department of Education is constantly reminding schools that they must respond to reports of harassment based on gender identity or sexual orientation. So why automatically ban passing any form of anti-discrimination law before even hearing the case…especially when it comes to the kids? Discrimination is not just okay, we’re saying, you can’t even take any steps to protect the students from being harmed or abused in the process.
Catch up, South Dakota.
1. Texas
Pray the gay away.
Now this may be the most controversial law on the list. I am separating from 5’n Dime and speaking for myself now.* I am all for religious rights, but outlawing these conversion therapy camps for LGBT youth is a must. Just last year, the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration released a report calling for an end to the practice of “conversion therapy” for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth. It’s tough enough growing up in today’s society in the first place — let’s not tell our kids something is wrong with them just because of who they love. Making who you are some kind of ‘treatable condition’ seems like a great idea for some of the Einsteins behind this theory to try out.
Catch up, Texas.
*Ed. - He’s probably speaking for at least a good portion of the rest of us at 5 ‘n Dime too. Seriously, this $#%^ has to end.
Agree? Disagree? Did we miss something? Then comment below!
