HB 1722 Status Update

An Act Relative to Gender-Based Discrimination and Hate Crimes was sent to study by the judiciary committee. This means that the committee is continuing to examine the bill and is taking it seriously.

Whether or not the bill will pass in the current legislative session is unclear. Even if it does not pass, I have no doubt that it will be refiled next time. The question is not if it will pass, but simply when.

As persons of faith, what is our role now? Clearly as individuals and as parts of congregations and organizations, we should continue to contact our legislators and ask them to support the bill.

Beyond that, I think we must continue to educate ourselves and stay centered.

When those who oppose transgender equality use scare tactics that portray transgender people as bizarre and abnormal, we must continue to say that our transgender brothers and sisters are part of our families and communities.

We should continue to educate ourselves about the truth of what this bill means and what transgender people genuinely face in a transphobic society.

With an eye to educating our communities, ICTE will begin to hold workshops across the course of the year. Please be on the lookout. We will continue to move forward with open minds and hearts.