It comes with little surprise, yet large amounts of disappointment, to hear that the current Federal Government is letting down the LGBTQ+ community – especially queer people of color – in every way possible.
Coinciding with Issue Advocacy Day, the National Black Justice Coalition released its federal government report card today, giving the Trump administration all F’s regarding rights and safety of queer people of color.
Issues assessed included Health and Wellness Policies, Criminal Justice Reform, and Employment Non-discrimination.
“It is dangerous and inaccurate to think that the current presidential administration has been ineffective,” said NBJC Executive Director Dvid J. Johns said. “As evidenced in this report, the current Administration has been destructively productive and the impact of their efforts will be felt for decades to come.”
As one of the only assessments monitoring the quality of civil rights for Black LGBTQ/SGL people in America, the report card evaluated the Executive branch, all 535 members of the U.S. Congress, and the Supreme Court on ways “this Administration has stymied the advancement of public policies and executive actions that would empower Black communities, LGBTQ/SGL people,” according to a press release.
“We cannot grow fatigued or turn away from what’s happening federally, but instead continue to engage and use this info to help spur action—civic and political participation,” Johns said.
REPORT CARD HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:
- The Trump Administration’s dismissal of all members of the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS
- The Trump Administration’s executive order citing ‘religious freedom’ as a license to discriminate against LGBTQ/SGL parents
- The Trump Administration’s rescinding of past guidance that protected transgender students by civil rights laws
- The Supreme Court ruling on Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission- a ruling that opens the door to discrimination against LGBTQ/SGL people
- A grade chart outlining every member of Congress’ vote on a number of relevant legislation including the American Healthcare Act of 2018, Betsy Devos’ confirmation, and the Affordable Care Act Repeal.
