Court Matters

Texas Judge sues for right to refuse to perform same-sex wedding ceremonies. On July 6th, Judge Dianne Hensley sued the State Commission on Judicial Conduct for reprimanding her in 2019 over her refusal to perform same-sex marriages. She argues that the Supreme Court's First Amendment decision in 303 Creative LLC vs. Elenis gives her the right to refuse to perform same-sex weddings, which does not comport with her religious beliefs.

Federal judge lifts injunction on gender-affirming care. On July 15th, U.S. District Judge David Hale lifted an injunction on Kentucky’s gender-affirming care ban. As a result, this ban will go into effect, blocking transgender and nonbinary minors' access to medically necessary gender-affirming care.

Federal Matters

House Appropriations Committee votes to eliminate federal funding for LGBTQ+ centers. On July 18th, Rep. Tom Cole (OK-4) introduced an amendment that eliminates federal funding for three LGBTQ+ centers in Massachusetts and Pennsylvania and eliminates federal funding to be used to fly LGBTQ+ flags outside federal buildings. The amendment passed on a party-line 32-26 vote.

National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) passes House with anti-LGBTQ+ amendments. Several members of Congress successfully introduced amendments to the NDAA including policies blocking abortion access for active duty military members, blocking diversity and inclusion efforts in the military, banning drag shows on military bases, and blocking funding for medically necessary care for trans service members. Despite bipartisan opposition, the amended bill passed and was sent to the Senate for action.

State Matters

Warning: While some of the following stories describe legislative actions to celebrate and affirm LGBTQ+ people, many cover legislation targeting the LGBTQ+ community, particularly trans and nonbinary youth. Please be kind to yourself and use your discretion while reading this  section. 

Advisory: State news is representative but not exhaustive due to space constraint; feel free to forward news about your state to advocacy@pflag.org to consider for inclusion.

California - Proposition 8 repeal proposal to be on the ballot in 2024. A proposed constitutional amendment to repeal Proposition 8, which previously banned same-sex marriages in California, passed both the State Senate and Assembly. The measure will be put on the ballot in 2024 for voters to accept or reject the proposed amendment.

Louisiana - State Legislature overrides Governor’s veto on medically-necessary care ban for trans and nonbinary Louisianans. The State Senate voted to override Governor John Bel Edwards’ veto of HB648 on July 18th on a 28 to 11 vote. The law will go into effect on January 1st.

Ohio - House representatives introduce drag ban bill. Reps. Angela King and Josh Williams introduced a bill to ban drag performances in public areas not classified as adult entertainment facilities and expand the definition of adult cabaret performances to include gender non-conforming performers, charging violators with a first-degree misdemeanor charge.

Texas - Department of Agriculture states that workplace training is “offensive” for including gender identity discussion. Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller criticized a department training session on equal employment opportunity for including topics such as gender identity, transgender identities, and deadnaming.

Global Matters

Japan - Top Court rules against bathroom restrictions for transgender and nonbinary government employees. The Supreme Court of Japan ruled on July 11th that the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) had discriminated against a transgender employee by denying their request to use a bathroom that aligns with their gender identity.

Russia - Parliament bans gender-affirming surgery for transgender and nonbinary people. The bill prohibiting gender reassignment surgery was approved by the State Duma and awaits approval from the upper House and Pres, Vladimir Putin.

United Kingdom - Prime Minister Rishi Sunak apologizes for ban on LGBTQ+ people in the military. On July 19th, ​​PM Sunak apologized for mistreating LGBTQ+ military members, following a report on the negative impact of the LGBTQ+ ban in the military.

Media Matters

PFLAG Parent Day, a celebration of parenting people who show up for LGBTQ+ kids of all ages, airs on Sunday, July 23, 2023 ABC7 Eyewitness News reporter, Christiane Cordero, one of the broadcast world’s few openly lesbian reporters, will host the special presentation. PFLAG Parent Day premieres on Sunday, July 23 at 2pm ET/11am PT across ABC Owned Television Stations’ streaming platforms and PFLAG National social channels.

FIFA reviews transgender rules as advocates air their support during the Women’s World Cup. The 2023 Women's World Cup, set to begin on July 20 in Australia and New Zealand, will showcase some of the most passionate supporters of LGBTQ rights and representation. However, FIFA is currently reassessing its policies regarding transgender eligibility.

Doxycycline proves to be effective medication against STIs. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is preparing to release new guidelines to permit using doxycycline as a method of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) to reduce the likelihood of developing three frequently occurring STIs, namely chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis.

Obama praises librarians, blasts book censorship. In a letter, former President Barack Obama endorsed the American Library Association's United Against Book Bans campaign and condemned book bans that target topics related to LGBTQ+ and race issues. 

A new report shows June saw increase in anti-LGBTQ+ protests. The Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project is a non-governmental organization that specializes in gathering data on conflict; their research shows a rise in anti-LGBTQ+ protests during Pride month.

PFLAG National
(202) 467-8180 | love@pflag.org

Having trouble viewing this email? View it in your web browser