The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the largest LGBTQ+ civil rights organization in the United States, has declared a national state of emergency for LGBTQ+ people, citing the unprecedented wave of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and violence across the country. The HRC said that more than 70 bills that harm LGBTQ+ rights were passed in state legislatures this year, doubling the previous record set last year. The HRC also said that more than 500 such bills were introduced, mostly by Republicans, including over 200 that target transgender people.

The HRC president, Kelley Robinson, said that LGBTQ+ Americans are living in a state of emergency and facing multiple threats that are real, tangible and dangerous. She said that these threats are fueled by an anti-LGBTQ+ Republican establishment and extremist groups that are trying to control LGBTQ+ lives and families. She named Florida, Tennessee and Texas as the most hostile states, accusing Florida Governor Ron DeSantis of weaponizing his position against LGBTQ+ people.

The HRC issued a digital guidebook along with the emergency declaration, providing health and safety resources, state-by-state laws, know your rights information and travel advice for LGBTQ+ people living in or visiting hostile states. The HRC also praised Michigan and Minnesota for expanding LGBTQ+ rights in 2022-23.

The HRC’s declaration comes at the start of Pride Month, a time to celebrate LGBTQ+ diversity and achievements, but also to raise awareness of the ongoing challenges and struggles that LGBTQ+ people face. The HRC said that it will continue to fight for LGBTQ+ equality and justice at all levels of government and society.