Greetings GLSENeer,
AND THE BEAT GOES ON…The Legislature has been at this for nearly 83 days in their alleged 100-day session and this past week, there was a lot of disinformation in the Arizona Legislature in debating several bills. SB 1182, SB 1511, SB 1628, and SB 1166 are all awaiting final votes on the House floor, and, if they pass, they head to the Governor’s desk.
In this week’s Policy Postcard we further discuss SB 1166 and share a round up of local and national news.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
SB 1166 WAS HEARD IN THE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE IN THE HOUSE
We recently shared about SB 1166, the bill that would force school administrators to out students to parents and guardians if students ask to go by a pronoun that is inconsistent with the sex on their original birth certificate. As GLSEN Arizona, we warned about the dangers that come when individuals - especially youth - are outed as LGBTQIA2S+.
SB 1166 was heard in the Appropriations Committee in the House this past Monday. The 17 member committee heard about a manufactured need for parents’ right to know if their child has asked to go by different pronouns. As a part of the LGBTQ+ Working Group, GLSEN Arizona submitted written testimony opposing SB 1166.
What emerged from the often ignorant and hurtful comments in favor of this bill is that Arizonans are lucky to have two champions on the Appropriations committee who shared their personal lived experiences of coming out and pushed back against the manufactured outrage surrounding pronouns, expression, and identity.
Rep. Contreras on her story and how harmful bills like SB 1166 are to LGBTQ youth.
Rep. Austin’s personal comments in committee on putting youth in the middle of political fights and the danger bills like 1166 pose.
HOW CAN YOU GET INVOLVED?
Spread some love! Contact Rep. Contreras and Rep. Austin and thank them for sharing their stories in order to protect LGTBQ youth in Arizona!
WHAT’S NEXT?
Given the narrow one-vote anti-LGBTQ+ majority, many of the bills we have highlighted are expected to pass once brought for a vote and sent to Governor Hobbs. Stay tuned and watch for our veto ask of her in the coming weeks!
BILL TRACKER
Our 2024 Arizona Legislative Session Bill Tracker which kept up to date by our advocacy partner working group.
REGISTER TO VOTE
YOUR VOTE IS ESSENTIAL!
Voting is the most crucial way by which you are able to participate in our democracy!
IMPORTANT DATES:
Tue Mar 19, 2024 is the Arizona Presidential Preference Primary
IN THE NEWS
Arizona Board of Education rules barring 'extravagant' purchase with school voucher money. Read More.
Board President Christine Fredericks told parents to "bring it on," when challenged over proposed sex and gender policy. Read More.
Phoenix Pride 'alive and well' during weekend celebration - advocacy, awareness of LGBTQ+ rights on the Nov. ballot. Read More.
Amid book bans, DEI cuts and 'Don't Say Gay' laws, 7 states will mandate LGBTQ-inclusive curricula. Read More.