Earlier this week, Florida state Senator Kevin Rader outlined his proposed bill, SB 588, which adds gender identity and gender expression to the current statute on hate crimes, as well as updates definitions for “disability.” This is a critical step in protecting Florida’s LGBTQ community at the State level, and Athlete Ally looks forward to mobilizing the athletic community to stand up and speak out in favor of equality.
Said Hudson Taylor, executive director of Athlete Ally:
“This proposed expansion of protections for LGBTQ people is needed now more than ever. Recently released data shows that 2017 was the deadliest year yet for the LGBTQ community, with an 86 percent increase in hate violence homicides in the United States. In addition, we know that locker rooms and fan sections continue to be some of the most unwelcoming athletic spaces for LGBTQ fans and athletes. In this current climate, we need to commit to expanded hate crime protections. We look forward to working with athletes, teams and leagues in the year ahead to stand with their LGBTQ constituents in Florida and across the country.”