Anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation has been introduced in recent months.
Threats of violence against LGBTQIA+ community are rising and intensifying, according to a new report from the Department of Homeland Security.
The DHS document, distributed to government and law enforcement on May 11, says domestic violence extremists and people who commit hate crimes have increased threats of violence against the LGBTQIA+ community over the year last.
“These issues include actions related to drag-themed events, gender-affirming care, and LGBTQIA+ programs in schools,” DHS said.
DHS said issues inspiring threats and calls for violence against the LGBTQIA+ community could lead to an increase in potential attacks on broader targets, such as public spaces and health care sites that may be linked to the community.
DHS analysts also cite social media discussions celebrating the recent mass shooting at a Nashville parochial school.
“High-profile attacks on schools and faith-based institutions, like the recent shootings in Nashville, have historically inspired individuals to carry out copycat attacks,” DHS said.
In recent months, politicians in Tennessee, Florida and other Republican-led states have introduced legislation that critics say targets the LGBTQIA+ community.
In March 2022, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed the Parental Rights in Education bill, dubbed the “Don’t say gay” bill by detractors.
The bill prohibits classroom teaching about sexual orientation or gender identity from kindergarten through third grade. Last month, the Florida Board of Education expanded those restrictions to include all grades. In March, Tennessee became the first state to restrict public performances of drag.
HB 9 and SB 3, signed by Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, make it a criminal offense for “any person to engage in an adult cabaret performance on public property” — or where it may be viewed by minors. .
Last month, a federal judge temporarily blocked the law, calling it vague and overbroad. according to AP.
At least 14 states have passed laws or policies that restrict gender-affirming care for people under the age of legal majority, which is the threshold required to reach legal adulthood.
According to DHS, approximately 20% of all hate crimes reported nationwide in 2021 were motivated by bias related to sexual orientation and gender, citing FBI hate crime statistics.
ABC News’ Kiara Alfonseca contributed to this report.
