Less than two months before the first ever openly transgendered member of Congress, Delaware Representative Sarah McBride, was to be sworn in, South Carolina Republican Nancy Mace introduced a bill to ban her from using the bathroom that corresponds with her gender identity.

Florida NOW strongly denounces this assault targeting Representative Sarah McBride and the broader transgender community. The proposed legislation, which aims to mandate individuals to use bathrooms corresponding to their sex assigned at birth, is a blatant violation of human rights and dignity.

Rep. McBride, the first openly transgender state senator in U.S. history, has been a trailblazer for equality and inclusion. This attack not only disrespects her identity but also undermines the rights of all transgender individuals to live authentically and without fear. Such regressive policies perpetuate harmful stereotypes and foster a climate of discrimination and hostility.

FLORIDA NOW REACTS:
Debbie Deland, President of Florida NOW, said, “Florida NOW stands in solidarity with Rep. McBride and the transgender community. Forcing individuals to use bathrooms that do not align with their gender identity is not about safety—it is about control and marginalization. This legislation seeks to erase the humanity of transgender people and reverse decades of progress toward equality. Stand with us to ensure that every person—regardless of their gender identity—can live with dignity, safety, and respect. Together, we can make a difference.”

CALL TO ACTION:
We urge you to call or email your U.S. Florida Representatives, and Senators Rubio and Scott to voice opposition to this harmful legislation. Attend protests and rallies: Join events supporting transgender rights in your community to show solidarity and raise awareness. Support transgender
advocacy organizations: Donate to or volunteer with groups working to protect the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals, such as Equality Florida, the Queer Trans Project, and the National Center for Transgender Equality. Speak out: Use social media and other platforms to condemn discriminatory legislation and
share stories that amplify the voices of transgender individuals.

A national abortion ban and attacks on queer & trans youth are on the horizon. Donald Trump made clear he will be instituting these attacks on our communities on Day 1. Now more than ever, we need to unite to block the attacks on our rights. We know the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) is the best shot we have right now, to tangibly protect our communities from his incoming orders. #ERANow calls on outgoing President Biden to publish the Equal Rights Amendment.

Publication of the ERA would enshrine the following 24 words in the U.S. Constitution: “Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.” Once published, the U.S. Constitution will explicitly prohibit sex discrimination, which includes discrimination based on sexuality and gender identity. This would finally put women and queer people in the Constitution, and protect abortion, gender-affirming care, and more. A constitutional amendment is something Donald Trump can’t overturn.

An amendment to the Constitution needs passage by 2/3rds of Congress and ratification from 38 states. The ERA has met those requirements. Now, we need President Biden to be bold and publish the ERA in his last months in office. The stakes are higher than ever.

Tell President Biden, Publish the ERA Now!