[ad_1]
President Joe Biden signed an executive order Wednesday aimed at combating controversial LGBTQI + community bills that have been introduced in Republican state legislatures nationwide.
President Biden’s order comes as the US administration celebrates Pride Month. VOA’s White House correspondent Patsy Widakuswara reports.
June is the month of pride in the United States, when members of the LGBTQI + community celebrate their achievements and push for full equality.
“My presence here is proof that we are fighting. Because our life is beautiful and dignified. We deserve respect and love. “And until we have that, we will fight,” said activist Javier Gomez.
The White House held a ceremony Wednesday for Pride Month. Officials say through executive decisions, they are taking additional steps to increase equality and condemn discrimination, including preventing so-called “conversion therapy” aimed at changing the sexual or gender identity of LGBTQI + youth.
President Joe Biden: “This is the first time the federal government is aiming for a coordinated response to this dangerous and discredited practice,” said President Biden.
Biden condemned a recent set of bills affecting the rights of the LGBTQI + community passed by the legislatures of republican states across the country.
In Florida, the new laws, which will take effect July 1, ban class discussion about sexual orientation and gender identity for kindergarten children up to third grade. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott recently ordered social services to consider as abusive cases of parents providing their children with medical services in support of gender reassignment.
“I think the administration is looking at this situation carefully and will do everything it can to prevent, mitigate and curb this attack on members of the LGBT community,” said Dwayne Kwaysee Wright of George Washington University.
The LGBTQI + community also faces growing threats from far-right groups. On Saturday, 31 members of a white supremacist group called the Patriot Front were arrested in Idaho on suspicion of plotting a riot to disrupt a community event.
Amid these threats, the administration has tended to underline a message of involvement. Karine Jean-Pierre, became the first gay and gay woman to be named White House Press Secretary in May.
“We work around the globe to protect LGBTQI + people from violence, abuse, crime, discrimination and stigma. We empower local movements and the LGBTQI + community. “We do this through bilateral and multilateral channels,” said Karine Jean-Pierre.
She did not say whether President Biden would convey that message when he meets with King Salman in Saudi Arabia next month. Kingdom officials recently seized rainbow-colored objects and clothing from shops in the capital, Riyadh, as part of a crackdown on homosexuality./VOA
top channel
[ad_2]
Source link
