By: Savannah Ottinger

On May 4th, 2023, Governor Eric Holcomb signed the House Bill 1608 into law; this was after the bill got a vote of 65 to 29. Once 1608 was signed, it was put into effect on July 1st of the same year. Some may hear this and think that it isn’t important to mention this specific bill, but to those it directly attacks, well, they would beg to differ. House Bill 1608 was originally written as Indiana’s version of Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill, yet it was changed once in court and dropped most of its parts that closely aligned with Florida’s original version, specifically changing the necessary consent for a name change. Sadly, that doesn’t mean that members of the LGBTQ community are safe from attack. For now, this bill specifically targets trans youth and their right to a private identity. It has now put children in possible danger, though the publishing group would like to say they only care about keeping the kids ‘safe’, and has even gotten rid of many people’s only public safe space. To numerous individuals, this is a ridiculously unnecessary law which ultimately does more harm than any possible good. And the problem isn’t just for trans individuals, but also people who just prefer to be called a shortened name.

The passage of House Bill 1608 truly shines light on a frustrating pattern of hits against LGBTQ rights and individual autonomy. While the advocates might try and argue that this bill is about child protection and prioritizing their safety, yet a slightly closer look, or even an interaction between these groups of people, reveals a thinly veiled attempt to undermine the personal rights of a vulnerable demographic. When interviewing someone, who would like to remain unnamed, they echoed the same sentiments of many, that since this law was put in place, they have felt more in danger than before because of how the notification of their chosen name being revealed could lead to harmful reactions from their parents (going against the entire supposed purpose of this bill). The publishing group’s claims of ‘protecting kids” ring hollow as their actions take away an essential lifeline for many. By stripping away this seemingly minor act of personal preference, the legislation highlights a bigger concern – the intrusion of the state into the private matters of their citizens.

By targeting trans youth and their right to a private identity, the legislation inadvertently perpetuates an environment of fear and discrimination, thus pushing these young individuals further into the shadows. The impact goes beyond just hypothetical issues, but it directly affects the sense of safety and community for LGBTQ youth in every aspect. The bill’s passage effectively erases what was once a sanctuary of self-expression – a public safe space where these individuals could seek refuge and affirmation, for once one section of the community is forced to take a step back, the others will surely be dragged behind as well. All of the people who were interviewed all stand against what they see as an unjust and harmful measure. The battle line has been drawn, and the discourse with the legislation, heard from people around our school, will undoubtedly shape the future of LGBTQ rights within schools and the state.

In the end, House Bill 1608 stands as a stark reminder that even in an era of progress, there are those who would willingly turn back the clock on personal freedom and equality. The consequences of this bill go far beyond its original intent, sparking debates about individual autonomy, safe spaces, and the fight for justice in a society that should be moving forward, not backwards.