In response to LGBTQ+ groups contacting the United Nations about “systemic” discrimination in Texas, Governor Greg Abbott sharply dismissed the global entity in a short social media message.
Abbott’s Blunt Tweet
On X, previously known as Twitter, Governor Greg Abbott bluntly stated: “The UN can go pound sand.”
Texas’ Anti-LGBTQ+ Laws
This remark follows the enactment of several laws in Texas, perceived by critics as anti-LGBTQ+. Particularly, seven recent laws have provoked strong objections from gay and transgender groups, along with human rights organizations.
Groups Seek UN Aid
These groups have united to send a letter to the U.N., sounding the alarm over the deteriorating situation for LGBTQIA+ persons in Texas, which they attribute to negative rhetoric and legislation from the Texas state government.
Major Groups Endorse UN Appeal
The letter addressing the United Nations was endorsed by several notable organizations, including Equality Texas, ACLU of Texas, GLAAD, the Human Rights Campaign, and the Human Rights Clinic at the University of Texas at Austin School of Law.
Bill 12 Sparks Drag Show Debate
The letter from LGBTQ+ advocacy groups to the United Nations highlighted seven specific laws passed in Texas, which they argue exemplify discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community. Senate Bill 12 is one such law, prohibiting “sexually oriented performances” on public property where minors are present.
This law has been interpreted by critics as a move to specifically target drag shows intended for children.
Trans Youth Healthcare Ban
Senate Bill 14 is another contentious law that bans gender-affirming medical care for transgender minors, a decision that has sparked considerable debate over the rights and well-being of transgender youth.
New Limits for Trans Athletes
In addition to these, Senate Bill 15 has been passed, limiting the participation of transgender athletes in college sports. This law reflects a growing trend in several states to regulate the involvement of transgender individuals in competitive sports, particularly at the collegiate level.
A Blow to Diversity in Universities
Another law, Senate Bill 17, takes aim at diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in public universities, effectively banning these initiatives. This move has raised concerns about the commitment to fostering diverse and inclusive environments in educational settings.
Church-State Lines in Schools
Senate Bill 763 allows schools the option of using religious chaplains for counseling purposes. This provision has raised eyebrows, particularly regarding the separation of church and state and the inclusivity of counseling services for students from diverse backgrounds.
Rule on ‘Sexually Explicit’ Content
House Bill 900 is another law cited, which grants schools the authority to limit access to materials deemed “sexually explicit” or “vulgar,” a measure that could impact the availability of diverse literature and educational resources.
Limiting Local Anti-Discrimination Efforts
House Bill 2127 restricts local governments from implementing non-discrimination ordinances that extend beyond what state law explicitly authorizes. This law effectively curtails the ability of local entities to enact measures that protect against discrimination, potentially impacting the rights and freedoms of LGBTQ+ individuals.
Concern Over Texas’s ‘Bills’
In their letter to the United Nations, the signatories of the LGBTQIA+ advocacy groups expressed deep concern over the collective impact of the seven Texas laws, referred to as the ‘Bills.’
They argued that each Bill, on its own, significantly disrupts the lives of LGBTQIA+ individuals from diverse backgrounds and ages.
Urgent UN Request
The groups concluded their letter with a direct appeal to the U.N. They requested the organization to investigate the regression in human rights in Texas and to collaborate with the federal government of the United States to halt these perceived abuses.
U.N.’s Stated Mission
This call aligns with the U.N.’s stated mission on its website, which emphasizes encouraging nations to collaborate in pursuit of peaceful solutions and promoting values like peace, dignity, and equality on a healthy planet.
Abbott Unshaken by Appeals
Texas Governor Greg Abbott seems unswayed by efforts. His response to the situation was made clear when he took to the social media platform X to share a news article about the LGBTQ+ letter, which was actually sent the previous month.
Accompanying this share, he made a dismissive comment, stating: “The UN can go pound sand.”
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