Greetings GLSENeer,
Like we knew they would… The Arizona House unfortunately passed SB 1628, the LGBTQ Erasure bill on party lines and will be heading to the Governor’s Desk where she has five days to take action.
In this week’s Policy Postcard we further discuss SB 1628 and share a round up of local and national news.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
SB 1628 IS WILL NOT PROTECT WOMEN AND GIRLS
As you might remember, some are calling SB 1628 the “Protect Women and Girls Act”, and we all know that the Arizona Legislature has no interest in protecting women or girls. The chambers repeatedly refused over several sessions to hear arguments on the Equal Rights Amendment (spoiler: the ERA would protect women and girls). SB 1628 is not about protection, it’s about erasure.
SB 1628 should be entitled the “LGBTQ+ Erasure Act” because of the (un)intended consequences of erasing trans and nonbinary Arizonans from public life. SB 1628 would not allow identity documents (birth certificate, driver’s license, state ID) to be changed beyond what was determined at birth. Without complete documents, trans and nonbinary people would essentially be erased in the public sphere, nor can we participate in public life (register to vote, acquire driver’s or other forms of state sanctioned ID to travel, birth and death certificates).
Gov. Hobbs has three options she can take on SB 1628 when it lands on her desk:
She can sign it into law and it will be enacted 90 days after the Legislature adjourns.
She can ignore it and it will become law after ten days and enacted 90 days after the Legislature adjourns.
She can veto it and put it in her trash can.
HOW CAN YOU GET INVOLVED?
CALL! THE! GOVERNOR!
Ask her to veto SB 1628 and say no to the erasure of LGBTQ+ people in Arizona. Veto SB 1628. Take action now and call Gov. Hobbs at (602) 542-4331 because bills like SB 1628 seemingly increase government intervention in the everyday lives of LGBTQ+ Arizonans, including youth.
Leave a message for the Governor about vetoing SB 1628!
Get your friends to call today (602) 542-4331 and get them to ask her to veto SB 1628!
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:
Register to vote. Deadline for the 2024 Primary Election is Jul 1, 2024
IN THE NEWS
GLSEN Arizona hosting Rainbow Readers Day at Flagstaff library. Read More.
Tucson's Small Town Charm is an Invitation to LGBTQ Travelers. Read More.
Rise in book bans is top of mind at Public library Association conference in Columbus. Read More.
Idaho lawmakers pass bills targeting LGBTQ+ citizens. Protesters toss paper hearts in protest. Read More.