Posts tagged with "law"

Mark Meuser × Joe Collins via 360 MAGAZINE

Mark Meuser × Joe Collins

Mark Meuser Joins Congressional Candidate Joe Collins in Santa Monica for Final Stop on Campaign Trail 

Mark Meuser, the Republican nominee for US Senate in California will be joining Joe Collins, the Republican Nominee for California’s 36th Congressional District, for a final campaign stop before next Tuesday’s election on Sunday, November 6th at 12pm in Santa Monica, CA. 

The Hope LA Day event, hosted by Congressional Candidate Joe Collins, will also include CA Treasurer Candidate Jack Guererro, Congressional Candidate Lucie Volotzky and other state legislative candidates and political speakers. 

The Hope LA event will be from 12-5pm and held at:

Crescent Bay Park

2000 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA, 90405

Meuser will be addressing voter concerns from Californians of every background highlighting rampant inflation, crime, homelessness, COVID lockdowns and mandates, the open border, parental rights in education and so many other issues that are harming the average Californian. 

“Senator Alex Padilla has been complicit in the failed policies of the Biden administration by voting lockstep with his party on legislation and has let down Californians time and time again,” said Meuser. “I have travelled to every county in this state and spoken directly to voters about their concerns and there is a desire for change in leadership across the state.”

More information on the Hope LA Day Event can be found at: https://joeecollins3.com/event/hope-l-a-day/

About Mark: 

Mark Meuser is the Republican Nominee for California’s US Senate seat in the 2022 elections. Meuser is a native Californian with a proven record of fighting for your constitutional rights.  He joined the Dhillon Law Group where he has focused on Election, Political and Constitutional Law. Meuser has had the privilege of protecting critical First Amendment rights and as well as unconstitutional usurpation of power as a result of COVID-19 by Governor Gavin Newsom and numerous election integrity cases in California. 

Learn more at: https://markmeuser.com/

Politics Illustration via 360 MAGAZINE

MAR-A-LAGO

People For Statement on FBI Search at Mar-a-Lago

Following news that FBI agents executed a search warrant at former president Donald Trump’s Florida home, Mar-a-Lago, today, People For the American Way President Ben Jealous released the following statement: 

“The search of former president Trump’s home is a very serious matter. We do not know what evidence the FBI was seeking at Mar-a-Lago, but we do know that obtaining a search warrant requires a judge to have determined there is probable cause to believe there is evidence of a crime at the location being searched, and is unprecedented in the case of a former U.S. president. We also know that the National Archives discovered months ago that the former president mishandled classified documents by removing them from the White House to his Florida home, and that there have been numerous reports of his mishandling classified material while in office. The bottom line is this: tonight’s news reaffirms that in our American democracy, no one is above the law. That includes Donald Trump, even if his behavior often suggests he believes otherwise.”

About People For the American Way  
People For the American Way is a progressive advocacy organization founded to fight right-wing extremism and build a democratic society that implements the ideals of freedom, equality, opportunity and justice for all. We encourage civic participation, defend fundamental rights, and fight to dismantle systemic barriers to equitable opportunity. Learn more:  HERE.   

monkeypox LA via 360 Magazine by 360 Magazine

MONKEYPOX LA

The United States declares monkeypox a national health emergency

Unfortunately, Los Angeles is plagued by monkeypox. As mysterious as it has become, human scientists have defined it as a disease that is further from the truth. In fact, many authoritative sources have labeled it a disease of gay men, when in fact it is closer to the dermis than a medical skin condition. A rash that begins to appear like chickenpox. These are the types of hybrids of ebene pimples that he obtained through several seasons. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is widely spread through kissing, anal, oral, vaginal, skin-to-skin contact, and soiled bedding such as towels. TikTok, the social media platform, has come to the rescue with recorded testimonials assuring us that ghee we are not gay and that they got it from the masseur during a spa service or a night out with a woman. Yet with more than 6,000 cases moving from west to east as covid unfolds, one wonders if hospitals will be overwhelmed during their intersection. One thing is for sure as Los Angeles’ coronavirus numbers flatten. Click HERE for Los Angeles County’s Weekly Monkeypox Case and Vaccine Summary.

Although where the Monkeypox is most inclined is in three states: The states of Washington, New York and Georgia have the highest concentration of cases. Most infections have happened among homosexual men. The World Health Organization (WHO) prescription of reducing the number of partners for men who have sex with men to curb the disease has offended the gay community, which fears that a stigma like that experienced with HIV will be repeated. Efforts to combat monkeypox are not being enough to prevent its rapid spread in the United States. For this reason, the Joe Biden government has decided to declare a national health emergency regarding the disease, a step that it has resisted taking until now. The WHO already declared an international emergency on July 23.

Limit Concealed Carry Guns

After conducting investigations on the homeless, they seem to be in the direct line of danger. Pleading for water and a cell charger around 3am in central LA, this is bar far from the most marginalized group at risk. During a probe of Pico Blvd, we witnessed the indigent in search of finding electricity for their small appliances. On the other hand, this walking case study began at a popular bar in Santa Monica and ended at a Brazilian restaurant with hanging canopy lights attached to an exposed extension cord and plug.  Once both our cell and smart watch died, this became a lifeline for us to grab am shared ride as there were no law enforcement in site for well over seven hours. With petty crime and murder on the climb, there’s a huge demand to own a concealed weapon in both LA and NYC. The new law in New York establishes a strict licensing process to obtain a concealed carry permit and a list of places considered “sensitive”.

Click HERE for Los Angeles crime statistics and citywide traffic statistics.

Apply for a License

Every day, New York residents seeking a CCW permit begin their gun permit certification process with US Concealed (New York state approved agency). To find out if you can have a gun license in New York State, US Concealed has put together a simpler online concealed carry permit qualification survey and see if you could get a license. click HERE for further information.

Article: Vaughn Lowery

Hands Illustration via 360 MAGAZINE

LEORA LEVY

Independent Women’s Voice applauds U.S. Senate candidate Leora Levy (R-CT) for signing the Women’s Bill of Rights, which, if enacted into law, would legally define basic sex-based terms and protect the existence of certain single-sex spaces, such as rape crisis centers, domestic violence shelters, athletic teams, locker rooms, and sororities. The full text of the Women’s Bill of Rights can be read here.

Heather R. Higgins, CEO of Independent Women’s Voice, said, “Too often, radical activists attack and try to silence anyone who speaks the truth about biological sex-differences. By signing the Women’s Bill of Rights, Levy has demonstrated that she is willing to stand up for equal opportunity, for common sense, and for science. We are grateful for Leora Levy’s support.

Independent Women’s Law Center Director Jennifer C. Braceras added, “We can’t fight sex discrimination if we can’t define what it means to be a woman. And we cannot collect accurate data regarding public health, medicine, education, crime, and the economic status of women if we redefine sex to mean gender or gender identity.’”

Don’t let activists erase women.

Learn more about the Women’s Bill of Rights HERE.

What Others Are Saying:

“I’m signing the Women’s Bill of Rights because the rights that generations of women fought for must not be dismantled to appease anyone.”

– Abigail K. Shrier

“What is a woman? The answer should be obvious to all. Unfortunately, today it is not. That’s why I am proud to endorse the Women’s Bill of Rights. This common-sense document should bring together all women regardless of their politics or religion.”

– Ayaan Hirsi Ali

“I want my three daughters to know that they live in a country where women are recognized and respected.  We are not “bleeders,” “birthing persons,” or “chestfeeders;” we are women.”

– Carrie Lukas, President, Independent Women’s Forum

“The Women’s Bill of Rights would ensure that our laws continue to recognize that there are legitimate reasons to distinguish between the sexes with respect to athletics, prisons, domestic violence and rape crisis services, restrooms, and other areas where biology, safety, or privacy are implicated.”

– Lauren Adams, Legal Director, WoLF

“The U.S. chapter of Women’s Declaration International (WDI USA) is proud to support the Women’s Bill of Rights. We work to advance the radical feminist and nonpartisan Declaration on Women’s Sex-Based Rights at all levels of government, and this bill is consistent with that objective.”

– Kara Dansky, U.S. Chapter President, Women’s Declaration International

Ontario’s Online Gambling Market Launches in April

Ontario’s government has officially launched its first phase of the province’s new regulation scheme for online gambling. In a news release, the government says the law will regulate online gambling in a manner similar to brick-and-mortar sites and will give “a safe and responsible path to a more dynamic industry.” The law allows commercial online gambling in the province for the first time. The Progressive Conservative government says it also has several announcements planned for the coming days, including details about the upcoming launch of an online games room, a new provincial licensing regime for casinos, and an investment agreement for an online poker site. Starting from April, gamblers can enjoy a safe and risk-free gambling experience at top casinos from CasinoLuck.ca ratings and reviews. 

Government of Ontario Supports Growth of Industry and Protects Ontario Players

Gambling online has exploded in Ontario in the past two years, and the provincial government has introduced a system of regulation and oversight to ensure that consumers have a safe and responsible path to a more dynamic industry. The first phase of the law went into effect on April, 4 and allows licensed commercial online gambling.

Finance Minister Dwight Duncan stated:

“This legislation will introduce significant new revenues into Ontario’s gaming and economic development strategy while protecting the integrity of Ontario’s gaming operations. Regulating online gambling in Ontario as it does in Ontario brick-and-mortar casinos will ensure that the government has the right tools to protect Ontario’s people from criminals and that gaming is conducted in a manner that is fair to all Ontarians. I thank all those who have worked hard to make this important and significant change in Ontario’s gaming policy.”

The legislation received Royal Assent will provide Ontario-licensed online gambling companies with a regulated business environment, which includes an independent regulator, licensing, taxation, and consumer protections. The new framework aligns Ontario’s regulatory policies and approaches with those of other jurisdictions. This is something that a well-versed casino veteran Mason Barrington believes to bring the online gambling segment in Canada to a new level. Being an experienced gambler, Mason knows what he is saying.

The government’s regulation of online gambling includes the following statements:

  • A new independent Gambling Commissioner will be responsible for ensuring that the integrity of Ontario’s licensed online gambling activities is maintained and protected;
  • The OAG (Ontario’s Anti-Gambling Enforcement Unit) will continue to investigate and prosecute those who attempt to use online gambling to commit fraud or money laundering;
  • Regulations will ensure fair and consistent rules and policies are applied to online gambling and are administered independently from licensed online gambling operators;
  • The government will invest $70 million annually into the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation for the next four years and will increase those revenues to $130 million annually;
  • Revenues from the new online gambling system will be used for things like health care and education. Ontario is the only jurisdiction in the country to guarantee that revenue from a regulated online gambling system goes to health care and education;
  • The province will collect at least $30 million annually from fees paid by online gambling companies;
  • Ontario’s legal age to gamble online will be set at 18 years.

Starting from April, licensed online gambling companies are allowed to offer internet-based gambling activities in Ontario. Licensed online gambling companies can provide their products and services under the existing regulations set by the OLG and other gambling companies. They will need to comply with the existing rules which include:

  • Minimum age of 18 years to gamble online;
  • No player can receive the same cash payment for the same product more than once;
  • Payment to players must be in accordance with a players bank account;
  • Licensed online casinos must comply with the Gambling Bill and with the OLG Code;
  • All online gambling services must be independently administered, regulated, and audited by an approved independent audit firm.

Gambling companies operating in Ontario must submit their application and receive their licenses prior to February 1, 2012.

Gaming Minister Christine Elliott noted:

“Since online gambling has grown into a $3.7 billion industry in Ontario, we knew we had to act to protect players and bring fairness and responsibility into Ontario’s online gambling industry. As a result of the extensive consultations, we have had with both industry players and gaming experts, and the careful considerations we have taken into account, the government has adopted the online gambling policy we believe is best in the province.”

Online gambling is the fastest-growing segment of the gaming industry in Ontario. As the government’s policy is consistent with similar legislation implemented by the government in other jurisdictions, this new legal framework will provide a safe and responsible pathway for online gambling in Ontario. This is the next phase of Ontario’s policy development for the emerging online gaming industry.

The government also is announcing several important announcements in the coming days:

In response to concerns from consumers and retailers, the government will be announcing a new initiative that will set a minimum retail price for video lottery tickets and online games in Ontario. This will allow retailers to offer the same price for their products, but with a minimum price to ensure consumers are able to access these games. Retailers have expressed concerns that the minimum price for games will not apply to brick-and-mortar casinos in the province. The government will be announcing a new voluntary agreement that allows brick-and-mortar casinos to sell products at a fixed price in a retail format.

The government will also be announcing plans to provide a safe environment for online poker in the province. A government-appointed Independent Advisory Board will be established and will conduct an independent review of the industry. The Board will examine issues, such as the regulation of online poker, gambling addiction, and the effectiveness of self-exclusion policies, and will make recommendations to the government on a regulatory approach for online poker, including the licensing of new companies and the continued operation of existing companies. The Advisory Board will also be developing a strategy for a new Ontario online games room, which is expected to be launched early next year.

Final Say

Ontario’s new regulations for online gambling are consistent with those in place in other jurisdictions. In the province, revenues will be invested in health care and education. Gambling-related revenues will be collected and controlled by the Ministry of Finance and distributed as required by law. The government will maintain an annual review of the new system to ensure that it meets the needs of the Ontario economy and to protect the integrity of the gaming sector.

Ontario is currently one of the most competitive jurisdictions for online gambling in North America. The local government’s modernized gaming regulations will ensure that Ontario will continue to lead the way as the province that develops and regulates a safe and dynamic online gambling industry.

Baby via 360 Magazine

IVF Contracts

Natalia Wilson, managing partner of Ain & Bank, is one of the most highly respected attorneys in Washington D.C. and is one of the nation’s leading matrimonial lawyers. Ain & Bank is a boutique law firm offering bespoke legal solutions and protections to some of the country’s most high-profile individuals from captains of industry to leading figures in the entertainment and sports world.

Wilson consults with clients who require advice and firm guidance to resolve matters of relationship breakdown, management of custody disputes, and preparation of prenuptial agreements. In addition, Wilson is at the cutting edge of what the legal world refers to as “modern family creation” advising clients on the legal implications of assisted routes to parenthood including in vitro fertilization (IVF), surrogacy, and more.

The miracle of pregnancy and childbirth is revered by cultures across the globe. The creation of life on earth forms the basis of mythology, old wives’ tales, and spiritual teachings that have endured since ancient times. This combined with cultural and social expectations, makes many couples feel pressure to conceive. According to the U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health, approximately 10 percent, or 6.1 million couples face infertility issues annually.

Expectant couples flaunt photographs of pregnancy gender reveals, birth announcements, baby showers, and beautiful, happy families celebrating on social media—adding to the pressure and disappointment for couples unable to conceive. For many, assisted routes to parenthood are the only options for possible conception.  

Every year, thousands of intended parents decide to pursue modern family creation. Thanks to modern technology and the normalization of gestational carriers, IVF and surrogacy are popular options for many. But what are the potential pitfalls of such an arrangement?

“Although I’m a divorce lawyer by trade, nothing gives me more pleasure than to see couples embark on the journey of parenthood,” said Wilson.  “Modern family creation is a dynamic area of family law and, unlike marriage, one in which many couples do not think about what might happen should their relationship end”.

Wilson points to the recently reported Virginia case of Jessee v. Jessee as a cautionary tale in which a trial court’s award of a frozen embryo to the wife in a divorce matter was reversed by the Court of Appeals. Wilson uses this judgment to illustrate the hurdles that some intended parents with stored embryos may face down the road and provides some helpful advice about what to consider when embarking on IVF.

Here are tips that couples should consider:

Is there a contract in place regarding what should happen to the frozen embryos in the event of relationship breakdown or divorce?

It is common for fertility clinics to provide proforma contracts stating that the ownership and/or rights to embryos are to be directed by court decree or settlement agreement. If the court has not yet issued a decree and if the parties have not reached a settlement agreement, there is no contract in place directing who should be awarded the embryos.

Don’t wait until things turn sour to determine the fate of the embryos. Spend time talking to each other about parenthood and what it means to each of you. Engage with experienced professionals who can represent your individual interests to draft an agreement much like a prenuptial agreement resulting in a contract recording what will happen to the embryos should the relationship end.

What does the court consider if it all goes wrong?

When parties do not have a contract in place dictating who should be awarded frozen embryos, the court will work to understand the interests of each party. The court will want to know why the parties engaged in IVF, whether each party is physically able to have biological children through other means and the impact that that carrying an embryo to term would have on the intended parent who may no longer wish to have children. The court will also try to understand whether one party is seeking the embryos simply to punish their former partner by preventing them from being awarded the embryos.  The court has broad discretion.  

Will the court compensate you financially if your ex-partner is awarded the embryos?

No. The issue of financial compensation is something clients struggle with. Many clients believe that to quantify the value of an embryo is tantamount to placing a monetary value on life. Others feel that it is their right to be awarded compensation in exchange for their genetic material.

Consider the full force impact of parenthood

When couples decide, whether by necessity or design, to embark on a journey to freeze embryos they must fully consider the implications of their choice. Although events leading to a decision to engage in IVF may have been painful, couples are afforded the time and space to think about the commitment they are making. Parenthood requires that couples recommit to each other as a parenting team and to the life for which they may ultimately be responsible.  Think about why you want to be a parent and what it is about your partner that you think will make them a great co-parent.

Talk to each other

How does your partner articulate their desire to parent? Are you entering parenthood to please each other? Does one of you want to parent a child more than the other? If your partner is more apprehensive than you are that doesn’t necessarily mean that they will be a bad parent. Trust your instincts and communicate openly and honestly. 

Don’t get swept up in the wave

Even when pursuing IVF treatments, it is all too easy to get swept up in the idea of parenthood because it is something that society expects. The path to parenthood is not created equal and the strain couples experience when undergoing assisted fertility treatments can place a real burden on an otherwise carefree relationship. Work to futureproof from the very first steps you take, preparation and planning may just help to prevent great heartache down the road.

“Creating a family is not something anyone should rush into,” said Wilson. “Make sure that you work together as a couple to thoughtfully and fully think through all of the potential future scenarios and address them.” She added, “Although we all hope that we’ll live happily ever after, it’s always better to be prepared, and having these in-depth discussions upfront will help you to better understand each other and become a stronger team.”

Lawsuit illustration by Heather Skovlund for 360 Magazine

Four Questions to Ask Your Personal Injury Attorney

Meeting with a lawyer for the first time can be stressful, especially when you’re pursuing an important personal injury case. Need some help figuring out what to ask? Here are a few helpful suggestions:

How Much Will This Case Cost Me?

One of the most important factors to consider before pursuing a personal injury case is if it’s worth the time and effort. One way to decide that is to find out how much it will cost you. That means asking your injury attorney what their fees are.

Most lawyers work on contingency, meaning they only get paid if you win the case, in which case the amount they received is based on a percentage of your settlement. It’s also worth checking what advance costs (filing fees, medical record retrieval fees, expert witness fees, etc.) you’re liable for if you don’t win.

What Could My Settlement Be Worth?

Another major factor in deciding if a case is worth pursuing is how much you stand to gain from it. Injury attorneys can calculate an estimated settlement amount for you based on things like the cost of your medical bills, any property damages you may have suffered, wages lost due to missed work, and more.

Getting an idea of how much you can expect from a settlement is good not only for helping you choose whether or not to pursue your case, but also if a certain lawyer’s terms are acceptable to you, or if you should consider hiring someone else instead.

What Will My Role in the Case Be?

Different lawyers work in different ways. Some require a high level of participation from their clients, while others are happy to work on things on their own and only contact you when they need information. Likewise, you may want to take a more active role or you may prefer to leave it in their hands.

Whatever your preference, it’s important to know what is expected of you, and also for your injury attorney to know what you expect of them. Establishing these things through clear and upfront communication is vital to the success of any personal injury case.

How Much Experience Do You Have?

One of the most important factors to consider when hiring a lawyer, if not the number one most important factor, is how much experience that lawyer has with cases similar to yours. Even if a lawyer has worked on numerous personal injury cases over the years, there are different kinds of cases within that milieu.

From car accidents to work-site injuries to commercial negligence, an attorney can work for many years without once representing a case like yours. If you want the very best representation possible, you want to know that the lawyer you’re talking to has had both experience and success in cases like yours.

Heather Skovlund computer illustration for use by 360 Magazine

Global Commitment to Cybersecurity

According to a recent study by the Atlas VPN team, the United States, United Kingdom, and Saudi Arabia lead in commitment to cybersecurity.

As technologies continue to evolve, governments around the world must face the reality of cyber threats and adapt their security practices. A study reports on countries’ scores on the Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI), varying cybersecurity training and practices, and additional statistics which help to create a fuller picture of the global relationship to cybersecurity.

A GCI score is given by evaluating each country’s commitment to legal, technical, organizational, capacity development, and cooperation indicators. The United States earned a perfect score of 100, getting all 20 points in each GCI indicator. However, while the US has the most cybersecurity resources, the latest cyberattacks on Americans have shown room for improvement.

The United Kingdom follows behind, scoring 99.54 points in GCI. The score indicates that the UK has to employ more computer incident response teams, enabling a country to respond to incidents at the national level using a centralized contact point and promote quick and systematic action.

Saudi Arabia shares second place, getting the same score of 99.54 as the UK. While being one of the fastest developing countries, Saudi Arabia has placed great importance on cybersecurity.

Estonia takes the fourth slot as they scored 99.48, losing just half a point in the capacity development indicator. Estonia has become one of the heavyweights in cybersecurity with a high-functioning central system for monitoring, reporting, and resolving incidents.

The Republic of Korea, Singapore, and Spain all share fifth place, scoring 98.52 points. 

Cybersecurity writer and researcher at Atlas VPN William Sword shares his thoughts on the current cybersecurity landscape, “Beyond co-operating within countries, Global Cybersecurity Index leaders could help less developed countries address cybersecurity challenges. For example, creating a strategy or sharing good cyber practices can help reach more balanced and robust security against cyber threats.”

Lack of cybersecurity training 

One of the reasons why cyber attacks continue to increase is a lack of cybersecurity education and training.

Just 46% of countries provided specific cybersecurity training for the public sector and government officials. Employees in these fields usually work with a lot of sensitive or confidential information, which is why education on cybersecurity is essential. 

Meanwhile, 41% of countries provided cybersecurity training to small and medium enterprises or private companies. Businesses often become targets for hackers as the latter can easily profit off of stolen data or ransomware attacks. While more prominent private companies can afford cybersecurity experts, smaller businesses do not have such luxury.

Law enforcement agents received educational cybersecurity programs in only 37% of countries, while only 31% of countries provide training to judicial and legal actors. This training may help officers and executors of the law understand how hackers think, identify the tools that hackers use to commit attacks, and ultimately prevent and protect from future cybercrime.

Beyond co-operating within countries, Global Cybersecurity Index leaders could help less developed countries address cybersecurity challenges. Creating a strategy or sharing good cyber practices can help reach more balanced and robust security against cyber threats.

illustration by Maria Soloman for use by 360 MAGAZINE

Joe Collins on Qualified Immunity

Joe Collins Discusses Maxine Waters Demanding Qualified Immunity for Police be Banned

What is qualified immunity?

“Qualified immunity balances two important interests—the need to hold public officials accountable when they exercise power irresponsibly and the need to shield officials from harassment, distraction, and liability when they perform their duties reasonably.

Why qualified immunity is important

  • If qualified immunity is banned, it will be impossible for a police officer to properly do their job, knowing that any sort of error in judgment in a high-pressure situation, could lead to them being prosecuted.
  • Violent crime in cities like Los Angeles could spiral even more out-of-control if cops are not equipped to do their duties to protect citizens in danger.
  • Waters has taken radical stances time-and-time again. Her views are not in the best interests of her constituents and are in fact putting people’s lives in danger if these sorts of arguments actually win out.

The Major Point
The fight to destroy the police as a barrier of law and protection for the American people, particularly in crime-ridden areas, has now reached the national stage. If qualified immunity is passed in some sort of anti-police bill, people’s lives will be at risk. Joe can talk about what he has seen in his own community, and why it is so important for law enforcement to be able to do their jobs for everyone’s well-being. Joe comments that “One of the best ways is to start rewriting laws to hold public officials and law enforcement accountable for their actions whether good or bad,” when asked to further support his argument for wanting to keep qualified immunity from being banned.  

Joe believes that most things in life are merely a matter of perspective, there is no one size fits all solution that will solve all problems but through collaborative efforts we can get pretty darn close. Trying to bring a balanced perspective to every situation, Joe says that “As an elected official, I would rather engage with the community when making decisions that will impact their lives in a creative manner. One thing that I will do that my opponent does not do is actually show up and be present in my community. We will rebuild our community, improve our education system and bring back quality jobs so our people can get to work.”

About Joe:
Joe’s passion to serve others started at an early age and earned him the nickname “GI Joe.” Ironically, he was always intrigued by the Military and Prominent Leaders like George Bush, Ronald Reagan, George W. Bush, and John F. Kennedy.

Joe made the most important decision of his first step into adulthood. He was going to follow in the footsteps of the men he admired so greatly; Joe Collins joined the US Navy. Serving 13 and a half successful years as an Aviation Machinist Mate, Joe Collins worked and trained thousands of sailors on many types of aircraft including the F-18 Super Hornet, E6 Mercury, and the MH60 Sea-hawk.

With the help of the US Navy, he also became a licensed financial professional. Joe’s passion to help others also came in the form of becoming a Certified Counselor for rape and sexual assault victims as a sailor in the US Navy, Joe served during the successful campaign, “Operation Iraqi Freedom”. He also served in the recruiting duty area, where he earned numerous honors and awards. This was a role Joe enjoyed immensely, as he had the pleasure of jumpstarting the future careers for many of our young American leaders of today.

LGBTQ illustration by Heather Skovlund for 360 Magazine

Ten Anti-LGBTQ Bills Sit on Governors’ Desks

Ten Anti-LGBTQ Bills Sit on Governors’ Desks, Poised to Undermine Rights Across the Country

As a fast and furious effort led by national groups aiming to stymie LGBTQ progress made on the national level and in many states continues to intensify, ten anti-LGBTQ bills currently sit on the desks of governors across the country waiting to be signed into law. These bills are only the latest examples of a concerted effort in state legislatures to undermine LGBTQ rights that has already resulted in the passage of several anti-LGBTQ pieces of legislation in recent months.

“State legislators across the country were elected to represent all of us, not just some of us and yet they continue to send hateful and discriminatory anti-LGBTQ bills to the desks of governors to sign into law, threatening the well-being, health, and fundamental rights of thousands of LGBTQ Americans in states from coast to coast,” said Human Rights Campaign President Alphonso David. “From anti-transgender sports bans to erasing LGBTQ people from school curriculum, these bills are driven by fear and would have a significant negative impact on the lives of so many LGBTQ people. The governors of these states are responsible for protecting their citizens, and they must refuse to sign these baseless and unconscionable cruel bills into law.  Otherwise, they should and will be held accountable for the consequences.”

These bills include blatant attacks on transgender youth, including prohibiting transgender kids from participating in school sports consistent with their gender identity, allow student organizations to discriminate against LGBTQ students under the guise of free speech, erase LGBTQ people from history books, and add substantial hurdles for transgender people who want to change the gender on their birth certificate by first requiring gender-affirming surgery.

Below is a roundup of the ten anti-LGBTQ bills currently sitting on the desks of governors:

  • ALABAMA
    • House Bill 391 – ANTI-TRANS SPORTS BILL
      • The Alabama Senate and House passed House Bill 391, an anti-transgender bill that would ban transgender youth from participating in school sports consistent with their gender identity. The bill now heads to Governor Kay Ivey’s desk for signature or veto.
  • ARIZONA
    • Senate Bill 1456 – SEX ED PARENTAL NOTIFICATION BILL
      • The Arizona State House passed Senate Bill 1456 – discriminatory legislation that affects not only sexual education material, but all learning materials in the classroom and makes it harder for LGBTQ kids to see themselves in school curriculum.
      • The bill, which would make Arizona’s sex education laws some of the strictest in the nation when it comes to teaching about LGBTQ issues, now heads to Governor Doug Ducey’s desk for consideration.
  • ARKANSAS
    • Senate Bill 389 – SEX ED PARENTAL NOTIFICATON BILL
      • The Arkansas Senate passed Senate Bill 389, a bill which would require a school district to notify parents before “providing a sexual orientation curriculum or gender identity curriculum” in any kind of instruction, including but not limited to education on sexuality.
      • In addition to making it harder for students kids to access sex education, it could also preclude discussion about sexuality more broadly, including in literature and history classes, for example. A district could be forced to notify parents, provide curriculum materials, and allow parents to opt students out of learning about important modern and historical events, from the A.I.D.S. epidemic to the Stonewall riots to even Supreme Court jurisprudence. This bill disproportionately disadvantages LGBTQ youth who may not have supportive families and put children at greater risk of health consequences.
  • KANSAS
    • Kansas Senate Bill 55 – ANTI-TRANS SPORTS BILL
      • The Kansas Senate passed Senate Bill 55, an anti-transgender bill that would ban transgender girls from participating in school sports consistent with their gender identity.
  • MONTANA
    • Senate Bill 280    – BIRTH CERTIFICATE BILL
      • The Montana Senate passed SB 280, a bill that adds substantial hurdles for transgender people who want to change the gender on their birth certificate by first requiring gender-affirming surgery.
    • Senate Bill 215 – RELIGIOUS REFUSAL BILL
      • The Montana House passed SB 215, an expansive religious refusal bill that could grant a license to discriminate against Montanans and visitors, including LGBTQ people, people of faith, and women, across a wide range of goods and services in the state.
  • NORTH DAKOTA
    • House Bill 1503 – ANTI-ALL COMERS BILL
      • Many public colleges and universities have long had “all-comers” policies that require student organizations receiving financial and other support from the institution not to discriminate against students based on race, sex, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity.
      • These policies allow all members of the student body to participate in student organizations and prevent such organizations from discriminating against students with state funding. The Supreme Court upheld these all-comers policies as constitutional in the Christian Legal Society v. Martinez decision in 2010.
      • North Dakota HB 1503, in part, undermines inclusive “all-comers” policies at North Dakota public colleges and universities, by allowing student organizations to discriminate against LGBTQ students under the guise of free speech.
    • House Bill 1298 – ANTI-TRANS SPORTS BILL
      • The North Dakota Senate passed House Bill 1298, an anti-transgender bill that would ban transgender girls from participating in school sports consistent with their gender identity.
  • TENNESSEE
    • Senate Bill 1229 – SEX ED PARENTAL NOTIFICATION
      • The Tennessee Senate passed Senate Bill 1229, a bill which would require a school district to notify parents before “providing a sexual orientation curriculum or gender identity curriculum” in any kind of instruction, including but not limited to education on sexuality.
      • In addition to making it harder for students kids to access sex education, it could also preclude discussion about sexuality more broadly, including in literature and history classes, for example. A district could be forced to notify parents, provide curriculum materials, and allow parents to opt students out of learning about important modern and historical events, from the A.I.D.S. epidemic to the Stonewall riots to even Supreme Court jurisprudence.
      • SB 389 also disproportionately disadvantages LGBTQ youth who may not have supportive families and puts children at greater risk of health consequences.
  • WEST VIRGINIA
    • House Bill 3293 – ANTI-TRANS SPORTS BILL
      • The West Virginia Senate passed House Bill 3293, an anti-transgender bill that would ban transgender girls from participating in school sports consistent with their gender identity.

Wide range of businesses and advocacy groups oppose anti-trans legislation

  • More than 65 major U.S. corporations have stood up and spoken out to oppose anti-transgender legislation being proposed in states across the country. New companies like Facebook, Pfizer, Altria, Peloton, and Dell join companies like Amazon, American Airlines, Apple, AT&T, AirBnB, Google, Hilton, IBM, IKEA, Microsoft, Nike, Paypal, Uber, and Verizon in objecting to these bills.
  • The nation’s leading child health and welfare groups representing more than 7 million youth-serving professionals and more than 1000 child welfare organizations released an open letter calling for lawmakers in states across the country to oppose dozens of bills that target LGBTQ people, and transgender children in particular.

The NCAA opposes efforts to limit participation of transgender students

The NCAA Board of Governors released a public letter making clear that it “firmly and unequivocally supports the opportunity for transgender student-athletes to compete in college sports.” Moreover, “When determining where championships are held, NCAA policy directs that only locations where hosts can commit to providing an environment that is safe, healthy and free of discrimination should be selected.” This puts the 30 states with discriminatory anti-transgender legislation under consideration on notice that their actions will have repercussions for their states.

A fight driven by national anti-LGBTQ groups, not local legislators or public concern

These bills come from the same forces that drove previous anti-equality fights by pushing copycat bills across state houses — dangerous anti-LGBTQ organizations like the Heritage Foundation, Alliance Defending Freedom (designated by Southern Poverty Law Center as a hate group), and Eagle Forum among others.

  • For example, Montana’s HB 112, the first anti-transgender sports bill to be passed through a legislative chamber in any state, was worked on by the Alliance Defending Freedom.

Trans equality is popular: Anti-transgender legislation is a low priority, even among Trump voters

A new PBS/NPR/Marist poll states that 67% of Americans, including 66% of Republicans, oppose the anti-transgender sports ban legislation proliferating across 30 states.

In a 10-swing-state poll conducted by the Human Rights Campaign & Hart Research Group last fall:

  • At least 60% of Trump voters across each of the 10 swing states say transgender people should be able to live freely and openly.
  • At least 87% of respondents across each of the 10 swing states say transgender people should have equal access to medical care, with many states breaking 90% support
  • When respondents were asked about how they prioritized the importance of banning transgender people from participating in sports as compared to other policy issues, the issue came in dead last, with between 1% and 3% prioritizing the issue.

Another more recent poll conducted by the Human Rights Campaign & Hart Research Group revealed that, with respect to transgender youth participation in sports, the public’s strong inclination is on the side of fairness and equality for transgender student athletes. 73% of voters agree that “sports are important in young people’s lives. Young transgender people should be allowed opportunities to participate in a way that is safe and comfortable for them.”

States that pass anti-transgender legislation suffer economic, legal, reputational harm

Analyses conducted in the aftermath of previous divisive anti-transgender bills across the country, like the bathroom bills introduced in Texas and North Carolina and an anti-transgender sports ban in Idaho, show that there would be or has been devastating fallout.

  • The Idaho anti-transgender sports bill that passed was swiftly suspended by a federal district court. The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) came out against the Idaho bill and others like it and subsequently moved planned tournament games out of Idaho.
  • The Associated Press projected that the North Carolina bathroom bill could have cost the state $3.76 billion over 10 years.
  • During a fight over an anti-transgender bathroom bill in 2017, the Texas Association of Business estimated $8.5 billion in economic losses, risking 185,000 jobs in the process due to National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and professional sporting event cancellations, a ban on taxpayer funded travel to those states, cancellation of movie productions, and businesses moving projects out of state.

The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organizations working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people. HRC envisions a world where LGBTQ people are embraced as full members of society at home, at work and in every community.