Press release from Beer City Sisters:
Raise your voice with the Beer City Sisters at Rally 4 Rights, a free speech rally in response to the wave of anti-trans and anti-drag legislation introduced in the NC General Assembly. Rally 4 Rights will be held in Pack Square on Sunday, May 28 from 3 to 5 pm. The Beer City Sisters are joining forces with Blue Ridge Pride, Tranzmission, Arms Around ASD, Planned Parenthood, and other concerned citizens to give voice to how this legislation will affect our community. This is a City of Asheville Non-Permitted Free Speech Public Assembly and in light of NC’s new anti-protest law HB 40, we ask all participants to maintain the event as a peaceful rally.
What to expect:
- We invite those affected by this legislation to speak, share stories, ask for help, and call the community to action. Planned speakers include Blue Ridge Pride, Arms Around ASD, and others.
- Poster boards and markers will be available for participants to make signs. We invite those that feel comfortable to hold their signs on the steps of the stage for everyone to see.
- Tranzmission will run a voter registration booth. Let’s ensure our voices are heard!
A summary of the newly introduced legislation:
- NC H43 Prohibitions of Certain Hormone/Surgery/Minors: Prohibits gender affirming care for minors including puberty blockers, hormone replacement therapy, and surgeries.
- NC H574 and NC S631 Fairness in Women’s Sports Act: Prohibits trans youth from participating in middle school and high school sports.
- NC H673 Clarify Regulations on Adult Entertainment: Prohibits drag performers and male or female impersonators from performing in public or in the presence of a minor.
- NC H786 and NC S639 Youth Protection Act: Prohibits gender affirming care for minors including puberty blockers, hormone replacement therapy, and surgeries. In addition, protects counselors and therapists from giving care to trans youth if that care goes against their religious beliefs, requires teachers to report trans kids to their parents, allows anyone to bring civil charges against anyone in violation of the bill.
- NC H808 Surgical Gender Trans./Minors: Prohibits gender affirming surgery for minors. Also prohibits state funds from being used for any form of transition including social transition.
- NC S49 Parents’ Bill of Rights: Defines rights of parents including the right to make medical decisions for minors. Prohibits instruction on gender identity and sexual orientation before fifth grade.
- NC S560 Medical Treatment for Minors Acts: Increases the constraints for a minor to receive gender affirming care, such as counseling, puberty blockers, hormone replacement therapy, and surgeries.
- NC S636 School Athletic Transparency: Defines eligibility requirements for high school athletics including biological participation requirements.
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