Washington, D.C. — Right-wing attacks on the transgender community are a feature of modern political campaigns. The far right spends hundreds of millions of dollars attacking not just transgender people but, increasingly, lesbian, gay, and bisexual people, too.
Today, the Center for American Progress released a new policy platform designed to serve as a foundation for leaders who want to reclaim their footing on LGBTQI+ issues, defuse the right’s attacks, and, in so doing, defend civil rights protections for all Americans.
The CAP plan provides a policy platform that:
- Affirms Americans’ shared values. We should all be able to agree that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect; that all Americans should be able to work, access federal services and housing, and enjoy public spaces; and that politicians should not interfere with medical decisions or the health of patients.
- Holds that everyone should be safe from discrimination and harassment. Transgender people didn’t choose to be transgender, and no one should be bullied or harassed due to their gender identity. Congress should pass nondiscrimination protections that protect everyone from mistreatment based on who they are.
- Understands that restrictions on sports eligibility may be appropriate based on the level of competition. Decisions on who should participate in sports should lie with sports associations and other sports governing bodies that know their athletes and the level of play the best, not with politicians.
- Allows parents to make medical decisions without interference from politicians. Decisions about if or when minors access transgender medical care should be made by parents, not politicians. Parental consent has always been and should always be required for teens to receive ongoing transgender medical care.
- Applauds all who serve. All Americans who are qualified and willing should be able to serve their country, and no one should be excluded from participating in military service or contributing to their community due to their sexual orientation or gender identity.
“It’s a bedrock American principle that all people, including trans people, should not be bullied or discriminated against for who they are,” said Caleb Smith, co-author of the report and director of LGBTQI+ Policy at CAP. “CAP’s plan would help leaders stand up for that principle with confidence.”
“The backlash to transgender issues, fueled by the far right, is threatening hard-won civil rights protections and targeting vulnerable people in our society,” said Winnie Stachelberg, report co-author, senior fellow, and founder of CAP’s LGBTQI+ Policy program. “While these issues are a far lower priority for Americans than the cost of living or political corruption, they also expect their leaders to have thoughtful, commonsense positions. CAP’s approach acknowledges basic truths, calls for treating all citizens with respect, and upholds the rights of everyone.”
Read the executive summary: “Executive Summary: Ending the Backlash on LGBTQI+ Issues”
Read the policy platform: “Ending the Backlash on LGBTQI+ Issues” by Caleb Smith and Winnie Stachelberg
For more information or to speak to an expert, please contact Julia Cusick at[email protected].