1. United States
2. Ala.
3. Letter

As a concerned constituent, I urge you to oppose House Bill 246, the so-called "Free to Speak Act". This bill is a direct attack on the dignity and well-being of transgender and gender non-conforming students. Prohibiting the use of preferred names and pronouns in educational settings creates an unwelcoming and hostile environment for these vulnerable youth. It denies them the basic respect of having their identity affirmed and validated, which is crucial for their mental health and overall development. The bill's provisions allowing students to misgender their peers and protecting staff who refuse to use correct pronouns promote discrimination and marginalization. Schools should be safe spaces where all students feel accepted and supported, not places where they face constant misgendering and invalidation of their core identity. Transgender and gender non-conforming young people already face disproportionate challenges and discrimination in society. Enacting legislation that deliberately targets and excludes them from having their identity respected is cruel and unacceptable. It goes against the values of inclusion, compassion, and respect for human dignity that our educational institutions should uphold. I implore you to stand on the right side of history and vote against this harmful bill. Protecting the rights and well-being of all students, including those who are transgender and gender non-conforming, should be a top priority. Please listen to the voices of concerned citizens, advocacy groups, and educational experts who have spoken out against this discriminatory legislation. Our state's youth deserve better.