Business leaders consistently report difficulties with recruitment, retention, and tourism in states that debate or pass legislation that excludes members of the LGBTQ+ community from full participation in daily life. In light of this, Marriott, Hilton, American Airlines, and Airbnb are among the over 150 major US companies that are vocally opposing anti-LGBTQ legislation in Florida and across the country, having signed on to a statement issued by the Human Rights Campaign.
Anti-LGBTQ+ policies negatively impact businesses both operationally and financially, while putting the safety and well-being of team members and families at risk, according to the HRC.
In 2021, the United States saw a record-breaking 26 anti-LGBTQ bills enacted into law across 10 states. In 2022, there are at least 160 anti-LGBTQ bills pending in state legislatures – more than half of which target Transgender youth.
In Florida, the "Don't Say Gay or Trans" bill (HB 1557, SB 1834) and "Stop WOKE Act" (HB 7, SB 148) are expected to be considered in state Senate committees this week.
Across the country, lawmakers are seeking to ban Transgender youth from participating in sports, criminalize medically necessary and life-saving healthcare for Transgender youth, and revive "bathroom bills" to prohibit Transgender people from using their preferred restrooms at schools and in businesses, as well as ban the discussion of LGBTQ youth and families in classrooms.
Statement against anti-LGBTQ legislation
"We are deeply concerned by the bills that are being introduced in state houses across the country that single out LGBTQ individuals–many specifically targeting transgender youth–for exclusion or differential treatment," read the statement from businesses opposing anti-LGBTQ legislation.
"Laws that would affect access to medical care for transgender people, parental rights, social and family services, student sports, or access to public facilities such as restrooms unnecessarily and uncharitably single out already-marginalized groups for additional disadvantage. They seek to put the authority of state government behind discrimination and promote mistreatment of a targeted LGBTQ populations."
The statement also mentions how the proposed anti-LGBTQ bills would harm business team members, strip them of opportunities, and make them feel unwelcome and at risk in their own communities. Furthermore, the statement addresses how anti-LGBTQ legislation directly affects the businesses, whether the measures in the bills occur in workplaces or not.
"As business leaders dedicated to equal treatment, respect, and opportunity for all – as well as to improving the financial and investment climate across the country – we call for public leaders to abandon or oppose efforts to enact this type of discriminatory legislation and ensure fairness for all Americans," read the statement.
US companies that have signed the statement include the following: