2023 Marked as 'Most Damaging' Year for LGBTQ+ State Legislation in U.S. History

Despite Over 550 Anti-LGBTQ+ Bills Introduced, Some States Like Michigan and Minnesota Make Progress in LGBTQ+ Rights

The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) has declared 2023 as the 'most damaging and destructive' year in U.S. history for LGBTQ+ state legislation, with over 550 anti-LGBTQ+ bills introduced and more than half of these targeting LGBTQ+ youth.
Florida has been highlighted as a particularly problematic state, with the Republican supermajority expanding laws restricting healthcare for transgender individuals to include adults.
Despite the negative trend, some states such as Michigan and Minnesota have made progress in LGBTQ+ rights, with Michigan expanding the Elliot Larsen Civil Rights Act to include protections from discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, and Minnesota banning conversion therapy.
Three gay lawmakers have written to the Department of Defense seeking information on a new Pentagon program aimed at updating the records of those dishonorably discharged due to the 'don't ask, don't tell' policy to reflect an honorable discharge.
The HRC and other organizations have written to the United Nations urging it to intervene and protect LGBTQ+ individuals in Texas, arguing that the state's anti-LGBTQ+ laws violate the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights treaty.