As Maryland LGBTQ+ advocates prepare for potential changes under a new Trump administration, they are particularly concerned about the impact on rights for transgender and gay people. The LGBTQ+ community is especially worried about losing access to gender-affirming healthcare and changes in education policies. However, Maryland leaders are already taking action to ensure protections are in place and to provide support for the queer community.
Maryland’s Preparedness for LGBTQ+ Rights Challenges
Maryland lawmakers are already taking proactive steps to protect LGBTQ+ rights in case of federal rollbacks under a new administration. During a town hall meeting in Easton last week, local leaders discussed the growing concerns within the LGBTQ+ community, particularly regarding access to healthcare. One of the major worries is how federal changes could impact Medicaid services, especially for transgender individuals.
Delegate Kris Fair, who serves as the LGBTQ+ Caucus Chair for the Maryland General Assembly, shared that one of the biggest concerns he hears from the LGBTQ+ community is access to gender-affirming care. The Trans Health Equity Act, passed in 2023, has been described as a crucial piece of legislation. According to Fair, this act ensures that Maryland will continue to provide support for gender-affirming healthcare, stating, “It says ‘we must’ provide support, not ‘we might’.”
Although the law guarantees support, Fair mentioned that the law does not specify a dedicated funding stream, making the state vulnerable if federal funding is reduced. Federal dollars cover a significant portion of Maryland’s Medicaid program, which impacts many vulnerable populations, including transgender individuals. Fair emphasized the state’s efforts to secure a special fund to help cover any potential shortfalls. These cuts, if they happen, may not only impact transgender people but also other groups such as undocumented immigrants.
Education and Potential Federal Actions
Another major concern is how the new administration might attempt to influence education policies in the state. Jonathan Smith, the Chief of the Civil Rights Division in the Office of the Attorney General, warned that executive orders could soon target LGBTQ+ issues in education. These could include limiting access to certain educational materials, such as books dealing with LGBTQ+ topics, or imposing conditions on federal funding for schools. Smith specifically mentioned the potential for restrictions on transgender students’ rights, including their ability to participate in sports and use restrooms that align with their gender identity.
However, Smith also expressed confidence in Maryland’s ability to protect its LGBTQ+ population. He explained that several state attorneys general had already started preparing for possible challenges to LGBTQ+ rights. The aim is to prevent the federal government from using its funding power to control state policies that are not directly related to education. For example, the federal government may not have the right to dictate what bathrooms transgender students can use or what names they can be called in schools.
Smith also discussed the legal arguments that Maryland and other states could use to challenge federal actions that limit LGBTQ+ rights. He emphasized that many of these issues, especially concerning the rights of transgender students, may end up in the U.S. Supreme Court, where Maryland is prepared to intervene if necessary.
Optimism at the State Level
While national politics may present challenges, advocates in Maryland remain hopeful because of strong state-level protections. Maryland has laws that protect LGBTQ+ individuals from discrimination in areas like education and employment. For example, the state has a law that prevents schools from banning books that discuss LGBTQ+ topics. This means that even if the federal government changes its policies, Maryland will continue to protect the rights of its LGBTQ+ residents.
Smith also mentioned that, although the Supreme Court could potentially overturn the right to same-sex marriage, Maryland’s laws would still uphold marriage equality within the state. Local activism and the strength of Maryland’s legal framework give LGBTQ+ advocates hope. Smith pointed out that local-level efforts and public support play a key role in ensuring that the rights of LGBTQ+ people are upheld, regardless of federal changes.
Looking Ahead
As the new administration takes shape, Maryland is focused on continuing to protect the rights of its LGBTQ+ community. Advocates will remain vigilant, ready to fight for their rights in the courts and the legislature. By having laws in place and building strong support systems, Maryland leaders aim to ensure that LGBTQ+ individuals can continue to live with dignity and respect.
(Source : wypr.org)
