Biden Urges Passage Of Equality Act As Anti-Trans Youth Bills Advance In Several States

Lawmakers in Florida and West Virginia advanced anti-transgender legislation during the president's hour-long speech to Congress on Wednesday night.

As President Joe Biden called for the passage of the Equality Act during his 70-minute address to Congress on Wednesday night, lawmakers in Florida and West Virginia advanced anti-transgender legislation in their respective states.  “To all the transgender Americans watching at home — especially the young people who are so brave — I want you to know that your president has your back,” Biden said as he urged Congress to pass the Equality Act, which would expand the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to include LGBTQ protections, among others.  As Biden was speaking, Florida Republicans sent an anti-trans athlete bill to Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis’ desk to sign into law. And West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice (R) signed a bill into law that prohibits trans girls and women from competing on sports teams at “any public secondary school or state institution of higher education.”