Post submitted by HRC Regional Field Organizer Christopher Cooke

Wyoming enshrined itself in history as the Equality State in 1869 after granting women the right to vote. The pioneer state led the rest of the county in advancing equality. This year, however, lawmakers are threatening to turn their backs on equality with legislation that puts everyone at risk.

HB 135, or the Government Non-Discrimination Act, is an extreme bill. It could harm LGBTQ people across the Equality State by prohibiting government agencies from stopping discrimination against LGBTQ people by individuals, organizations, and corporations acting under the guise of religion. HRC was quick to speak out against this bill and thankfully, this billed was pulled by its sponsor on 1/26/2017.

ICYMI: Anti-#LGBTQ legislation introduced in #Wyoming. Learn more via @ACLUWYO https://t.co/rten6mIMnT

— HumanRightsCampaign (@HRC) January 26, 2017

Live in #Wyoming? Submit testimony against the state's newest anti-#LGBTQ bill #HB135 https://t.co/EHTxu75rs3

— HumanRightsCampaign (@HRC) January 27, 2017

Unfortunately, the threat to LGBTQ people is not over this session. Another bill, HB 244, would make it a crime for transgender people to use the restroom consistent with their gender identity.

Republican Governor Matt Mead has already spoken out against the bill, saying yesterday that it “would undermine the work of school districts, take a lot of valuable time, and run counter to Wyoming values”.

HRC stands strong with our partners at Equality Wyoming and the ACLU of Wyoming in protecting LGBTQ people across the state of Wyoming.