Four LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations have called on the United Nations (UN) to investigate the State of Texas for alleged human rights violations. The ACLU of Texas, Equality Texas, GLAAD, and the Human Rights Campaign, along with support from the Human Rights Clinic at the University of Texas at Austin School of Law, have submitted a joint allegation letter to 17 independent experts and special rapporteurs at the UN. The organizations claim that Texas violated international human rights law by enacting seven laws in 2023 that specifically target the LGBTQ community.
The letter, which is 35 pages long, argues that these laws go against international non-discrimination policies and violate rights to privacy, health, education, religious freedom, and freedom of expression. It states that together, these laws constitute a systematic discriminatory policy that directly attacks LGBTQ individuals. The organizations are requesting that the UN introduce stronger legislation to protect LGBTQ people at both the federal and state levels in Texas.
The laws in question include SB 14, which bans gender-affirming care for transgender children, SB 17, which prohibits public universities and colleges from maintaining diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, and SB 15, which blocks trans athletes from competing in collegiate sports that align with their gender identity. Additionally, SB 763 allows school districts to use religious chaplains as guidance counselors for students, SB 12 prohibits minors from attending drag performances, and HB 900 restricts access to books featuring LGBTQ characters and themes.
The LGBTQ advocacy organizations argue that these laws create a human rights crisis and force LGBTQ citizens to question their access to basic necessities such as healthcare, inclusive education, and creative freedoms. They believe that Texas has failed to meet the minimum standards outlined by international human rights law, and that the involvement of the UN is necessary to ensure that the rights of LGBTQ individuals in Texas are recognized, respected, and protected.
Ricardo Martinez, CEO of Equality Texas, expresses concern that Texas’s failure to meet international human rights standards will harm LGBTQIA+ individuals and damage the state’s global reputation. He emphasizes the importance of fighting for equal rights and holding state leaders accountable.
The organizations are hopeful that their joint allegation letter will lead to international awareness, clear recommendations to rectify human rights issues in Texas, and increased pressure on both public and private entities in the US to ensure equality for LGBTQIA+ Texans.
As the UN considers whether to investigate the alleged human rights violations in Texas, LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations remain committed to their cause, vowing to continue challenging discrimination and fighting for equal rights across the state and the nation.
