FCC Takes Action Against Anti-Trans Legislation Jan 24, 2023 | News On Sunday, Senior Minister Scott Jones talked in his sermon about the anti-trans legislation introduced in this year’s session of the Unicameral. As an Open and Affirming Congregation, we are concerned about three pieces of legislation that target the trans community, particularly transgender youths. Because we affirm that the beauty and blessedness of God’s creation is present in all people, we make a conscious and deliberate decision to celebrate the diversity of creation as uniquely embodied in people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+). We honor the sacredness of people’s lives through extravagant welcome and unconditional affirmation of people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. The three bills we are concerned about are: LB 574, which would ban gender-affirming medical care for children and adolescents LB 575, which would ban trans youth from participating in sports related to their gender identity LB 371, which criminalizes drag shows and transgender performers You can learn more about these bills (and others), here. Therefore, we invite you, fellow congregants, and your churches to consider responding in one or more of the following ways: Follow OutNebraska, the statewide LGBTQ+ organization, as they will keep us informed about the status of the bills and how best to respond to them. You can find them online at https://outnebraska.org/ and/or follow them on various social media platforms. Contact your Senator. Reach out via email, phone, a written letter, social media, in person, etc. Here is a basic script to follow if you need help talking to them: Hello, my name is ____. I live in your district. I am calling about bill(s) ______. I am opposed to it/them. Here’s why–and be sure to state that your reasons are reasons of faith, that you are opposed because you are a follower of Jesus. And here’s why I think you should be concerned too. Thank you for your time. Leave an online comment on the bill. The unicameral website allows for public written comments on bills. While those statements are not entered into the record of the bill, the total number of proponents and opponents is recorded, and Senators and their staff do have access to the comments. Just search for the relevant bills number and then click the prominent button for leaving a comment. Sign up to testify. If the bills receive a public hearing before a committee, then the public is able to testify about the bills. OutNebraska is signing up people willing to testify at this website.
