ACLU of Nevada responds to ruling in West Virginia v. B.P.J

LAS VEGAS – The American Civil Liberties Union of Nevada released the following statements following today’s U.S. Supreme Court ruling in West Virginia v B.P.J.

The nonpartisan civil rights organization noted the statutes at issue in West Virginia and Idaho differ from Nevada’s state laws and constitutional provisions, and the ACLU of Nevada is analyzing the case in light of this.

ACLU of Nevada executive director Athar Haseebullah (he/him) said:

“The politicians ignoring the daily fight of our neighbors to put food on the table, make rent, and have actual healthcare to instead line the pockets of their billionaire friends and expand government overreach continue to ignite unfounded fears about trans people undermine the basic notions of equality and decency. The laws in this case do nothing to support our youth and foster paranoia and division. It remains important to note that Nevada law differs from the Idaho and West Virginia laws in question. We are analyzing those distinctions and will continue to fight for equality."

ACLU of Nevada director of communications and campaigns West Juhl (they/them) said:

“I’ve been a queer teenager in Nevada, and it isn’t easy. Especially when you're being bullied by the highest levels of government. Trans students deserve the freedom to be themselves, be a part of their communities, and grow with their friends without having to fit gender stereotypes. Instead of solving problems like affordability or making sure our public schools have the same resources no matter where we live, politicians and activists are spending millions of dollars trying to exclude transgender people from our communities in order to divide and control us. Today’s ruling is a blow to transgender rights under the U.S. Constitution, but I want my friends and family in the trans community to know that the Nevada Constitution still protects us. The fight for our rights isn’t over because we’re still here and we’re not giving up.”