Axios: Most LGBTQ kids’ mental health negatively impacted by anti-trans legislation
ICYMI: A “Don’t Say Gay” bill is set to be introduced in the 2023 legislative session
INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Democratic Party, the organization that advocates for the future of Indiana and its families, today issued the following statement by Chairman Mike Schmuhl after the Republican supermajority at the Indiana General Assembly voted to override Governor Eric Holcomb’s veto on House Enrolled Act 1041, which will now ban transgender children from participating in school sports according to their gender identity:
“The Indiana High School Athletic Association admitted there was no unfair advantage occurring in women’s sports, and Governor Eric Holcomb’s veto proved the Indiana GOP’s partisanship had crossed the line. It became very clear House Enrolled Act 1041 was less about facts and more about fulfilling a national party purity test. Indiana Republicans even admitted this strategy themselves – and it’s why they partnered with a national hate group to pass House Enrolled Act 1041.
The Indiana GOP’s choice to override Governor Holcomb’s veto will be remembered as the time when elected Republicans used the power of their offices to bully innocent children. And unfortunately, this law and the impending ‘Don’t Say Gay’ law set to be introduced next year will usher in a form of bullying LGBTQ adults survived and long hoped future generations wouldn’t have to experience. This partisan agenda is an attempt to erase the community and will no doubt lead to increases of self harm in LGBTQ youth. Responsibility for this foreseeable epidemic should and will rest on the Indiana Republican Party. They’re creating this heartbreaking future and simply do not care.
Indiana Democrats value the state’s LGBTQ community, and they have a place in our state and future just as everyone else. LGBTQ Hoosiers are a strength and part of the backbone of the state’s workforce, culture, and overall way of life – and Democrats are committed to do everything possible to protect their constitutional rights to marry who they love, hold a good job, and live openly in a more accepting Indiana.
It’s become quite clear the Indiana GOP is now a party with no actual plans for Indiana – just national partisanship. This agenda is divisive, will prevent good jobs from entering the state, and simply has no place in Indiana.”
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