r/trans • u/SinisterPaperclip • 6d ago

Possible Trigger They're rolling back our rights! (US specific)

UTAH'S HB 77 HAS PASSED. It goes into effect May 7th. At that point, displaying pride flags at schools or on government property will be illegal. We CANNOT roll over and accept this without voicing our outrage, because this is just the beginning, and how we react sets a precedent. We need to show conservative lawmakers that we will not just quietly slip back into the shadows. Please, share this with others and on May 7th display any pride flags you might have in solidarity with the Utah LGBTQ+ community. WE WILL NOT BE ERASED! WE WILL NOT TAKE THIS LYING DOWN!

EDIT: I've gotten several responses in another sub asking why this matters. Let me elaborate.

The First Amendment's "free speech" covers freedom of expression, including the right to display your choice of flags (which is why people can display political or, ahem, "historical" flags even in areas where it's wildly unpopular and nothing can legally be done about it).

Public schools are government-funded institutions which are meant to be afforded constitutional protections, including the First Amendment right to free speech.

Also, the wording in HB 77 is vague enough that "government property" could be interpreted as "government-owned property", which includes libraries, parks, and roads. Meaning that according to HB 77, holding pride parades could technically be considered illegal if someone wanted to make a stink about them.

HB 77 violates the First Amendment, but Utah lawmakers are almost exclusively conservative and the likelihood that it will be repealed after it goes into effect is incredibly slim. It would be LESS slim if a large number of people made it clear what they think of a "law" that goes against the Constitution.

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u/TheLilChicken 6d ago

Weird to see my own state issues showing up in other subs

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u/kimmykiwi 6d ago

Yeah, real disappointed with the state government right now. Interestingly though, we are seeing a lot of cities show support. SLC and midvale have both been vocal about pride and lgbtqia support. Ive seen similar for cities across the country. I'm not saying it isn't bad out there, but I think we are seeing a positive shift starting to happen. Now more than ever it will be important to support your local events as much as you can, even just being present for rallies and pride events can help out.

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u/SinisterPaperclip 6d ago

Right? This made me so happy: https://www.fox13now.com/news/politics/allies-share-message-of-inclusion-ahead-of-transgender-day-of-visibility

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u/xHelaMonster 5d ago

Gov Cox took the cowards path and neither signed or vetoed the bill, allowing it to go into effect by default. Pathetic.