The Resistance Report: August 11, 2017

by HRC Staff •

The Resistance Report provides bi-monthly updates on the latest actions HRC is taking to unite, resist and enlist against the injustices happening to the LGBTQ community on the federal, state and local levels.

Post submitted by Brian McBride, former HRC Digital Strategist 

The Resistance Report provides bi-monthly updates on the latest actions HRC is taking to unite, resist and enlist against the injustices happening to the LGBTQ community on the federal, state and local levels. From our grassroots efforts fighting discriminatory legislation and legislators, to protesting and marching in cities nationwide -- we are fighting everyday to ensure full equality and justice is achieved for everyone, everywhere.

HRC Brings Fight for Trans Equality to the Lone Star State

As the end of Texas’ special session draws near, HRC has kicked our mobilization efforts into high gear to ensure anti-LGBTQ bills such as SB3 never become law. When Governor Greg Abbott called a special session of the legislature, HRC's Texas field team moved to Austin where it was joined by other HRC staff and advocates from allied organizations. Together we created an unprecedented grassroots campaign motivated by love and community.

Opposition to SB3 has garnered widespread support from human rights organizations, business leaders, corporations, women’s and sports groups and the state's own NHL team. HRC Board Member Liz Baskin joined women business and community leaders at the Capitol to protest the hateful and discriminatory bills being debated during the state’s special legislative session -- read more about Baskin’s experience here.

The fight isn’t over. Everyone in Texas should text "TX House" to 30644 to be connected with your House member during business hours. Tell them "Don't Discriminate Against Transgender Texans." The special session ends August 16.

Support to #ProtectTransTroops Mounts Against Trump

Ever since Trump took to Twitter to announce his ban on transgender service members from the military, the backlash has been immense and swift. Not only did Trump declare he would ban thousands of trans troops from serving “in any capacity,” but heartlessly referred to them as “burdens” and “disruptions” to our military. However, the majority of the country and lawmakers across the political spectrum strongly disagree.

HRC urged Congress to act and so far more than 50 House Democrats have sent a letter calling on Defense Secretary James Mattis and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Joseph Dunford Jr. to reject the “unconstitutional directive.” A bipartisan group of Senators also called on Mattis to advise Trump not to implement the ban shortly after he tweeted about it, and 56 retired Generals and Admirals released a joint statement last week warning that Trump’s ban would degrade military readiness. Navy Secretary Richard Spencer came out in support of trans troops, stating “any patriot that wants to serve should be able to serve in our military.”

While it remains unclear whether Trump has issued official guidance to the Defense Department on his discriminatory order, thousands of trans military families are left reeling over their own futures as uncertainty over its implementation looms. 

HRC Canvesses in Virginia for Openly Trans Candidate

HRC announced the Public Policy Committee of HRC’s Board of Directors voted to endorse longtime local reporter Danica Roem in her bid to represent Virginia’s District 13. If elected, Roem would make history as the first out transgender person seated in a state legislature.

HRC staff had the opportunity to canvess for Roem’s historic campaign and even inspired one of our own trans intern to some day run for office. With the launch of HRC Rising, our bold, proactive grassroots expansion focuses on accelerating progress in states from coast-to-coast by resisting the politics of hate, fighting anti-LGBTQ legislation, and fueling pro-equality candidates and initiatives.

HRC and Partner Organizations Take a Red Pen to Pence’s Propaganda Piece

Pence red line

HRC invited some of its friends to lay some truth on Mike Pence and the ridiculous oped he wrote recently on the six-month anniversary of the Trump-Pence debacle. Joining us to take the editing pen in hand to fix Pence’s disinformation included the League of Conservation Voters, The Center for American Progress, The American Military Partner Association, Muslim Advocates, UnidosUS and Planned Parenthood. Check out our revisions here.

We are resisting the politics of hate across the nation. Each and every day, HRC and our grassroots supporters are harnessing the full power of our democracy to protect our progress and resist. Check back for our next Resistance Report on HRC’s continued fight for full LGBTQ equality. 

Topics:
Federal Advocacy
State & Local Advocacy

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