Conservative co-sponsors abandon their own bill after gay politician’s powerful speech. Nebraska’s anti-trans bill failed after the two state senators refused to vote for it.

https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2024/04/conservative-co-sponsors-abandon-their-own-bill-after-gay-politicians-powerful-speech/

14 comments

  2. >Nebraska state Senator John Fredrickson is the first out gay man elected to the state legislature. Now, he has another feather in his cap.

    >After an impassioned speech in opposition to a bill that targeted transgender youth, two of his colleagues [changed their minds about the legislation](https://apnews.com/article/transgender-bathrooms-sports-nebraska-01b7eeeb56874e2338e58d368765f66a) that they had co-sponsored. The measure did not pass out of committee after they did.

    >The bill would have banned transgender youth from locker rooms, sports teams and bathrooms that match their gender identity. It also effectively barred transgender boys from all sports competitions.

    >Fredrickson and his husband have a son – and as a gay parent, he spoke directly to the kids and families who were under the microscope.

    >“The world can be tough and scary,” he said. “I personally know a thing or two about having a family that many people might say is not normal.”

    >“I stand here today, confidently, to tell you if you love your kid unconditionally for who they are, and if they know they’re loved, you can weather a lot,” Fredrickson added.

    >“Don’t spend a minute of your energy or time thinking about any of my colleagues in here who are too scared of difference to allow themselves to understand and celebrate the beauty and joy that you bring to our state.”

    >Instead, he said, parents should “love your babies and surround yourself with the people who love you.”

    Thank you so much, Rep. Frederickson. We are seeing in state legislatures with the likes of Mallory McMorrow, Megan Hunt, Zooey Zephyr, the Tennessee 3, and many others that it’s crucial to continue to vote Democrats, because they are standing up for Democracy and for human compassion in general. 2024 is not just about Trump. It’s about repudiating MAGA and stopping the likes of The Heritage Foundation and the Alliance Defending Freedom. Thank you, Rep. Frederickson.

  3. Proud to have cast my vote for Senator Fredrickson in 2022. He won by less than 100 votes. Never let anyone tell you your vote doesn’t matter.

  5. Thank god for Nebraska. We should figure out a way to move our dumbest laws there. Won’t bother anybody since nobody lives there.

  7. Fantastic speech, Senator Fredrickson! Democrats in red states are on the frontlines on the war for decency and democracy. This is why I don’t believe that we should all coalesce around liberal cities in blue states. We need to fight in all 50 states because everyone matters. We cannot let Republicans rule states like a fiefdom.

  8. The two who abstained are Merv Riepe and Tom Brandt.

    Both have interesting records (for Republicans) on abortion and trans issues. I’m surprised MAGA lunatics haven’t been gunning against them.

  9. It’s good to see news like this out of a red state like Nebraska. Progress.

  13. Now do the bill giving $25,000,000 to private catholic schools plz.

  14. It’s because I have faith in my countrymen that we will outnumber our traitor citizens and the blue wave in Nov will slap the Republican party so hard they may even consider changing. I’m going to vote and keep faith in everyone. I know it won’t be all blue but I’m confident. The MAGAts have overplayed their hand I think.

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