What states have introduced the most anti-transgender legislation this year?

Critical Analysis

1. According to the data from the map above, what states have introduced the most anti-transgender legislation?

2. How many anti-transgender legislation has been introduced in your state?

3. How many states total have actually passed anti-transgender legislation?

4. Describe the regional differences in anti-transgender legislation.

5. Since January, state legislators have introduced more than 400 anti-trans bills — more than the number introduced in the previous four years combined. Why do you think that number has increased?

6. In 1968, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. gave a speech at the National Cathedral (yes, we have a national cathedral) where he said, “We shall overcome because the arc of the moral universe is long but it bends toward justice.” Based on the map above, explain whether history is bending towards justice.

7. As of May 19, legislators have introduced more than 400 such bills, compared to about 150 last year, and more than were introduced over the previous four years combined, according to a Post analysis of data compiled by the ACLU. Many of the bills include restrictions on gender-affirming care for minors. The American Medical Association, the American Psychological Association, the Endocrine Society and other major medical organizations oppose restrictions on gender-affirming care. The American Academy of Pediatrics released a statement in August that called such care “medically necessary and appropriate” for some minors and criticized the “rampant disinformation” spread by those seeking restrictions. Explain whether medical experts or politicians should guide medical decisions.

8. Why do you think politicians are devoting so much time and energy to anti-transgender bills?

9. Do you think the 2024 election will increase the amount of anti-trans legislation?

10. Imagine the U.S. government passed pro-transgender legislation that was in conflict with state legislation. Explain whether the state or federal legislation would win.

Learning Extension

Follow the ACLU anti-transgender legislation tracker and see what your state legislature is up to.

Action Extension

Know your rights.

Visual Extension