PRIDE Act
What This Bill Does
HB 327 — the Parental Rights in Diverse Environments (PRIDE) Act — protects parents who affirm and support their LGBTQ+ children from state interference. The bill ensures that a parent's decision to support their child's identity cannot be used as grounds for custody challenges, abuse or neglect allegations, or other adverse government action. It establishes that affirming parenting is not a basis for child welfare intervention.
Why This Matters
In the wake of HB 693 — the "Affirming Families First Act," which shields parents who reject their trans children — the PRIDE Act represents a critical counterbalance. While HB 693 protects parents who deny their children's identities, HB 327 protects parents who embrace them. Research consistently shows that family acceptance is the single strongest protective factor for LGBTQ+ youth mental health and wellbeing.
Supporting Research
- The Family Acceptance Project found that LGBTQ+ youth with accepting families are 8x less likely to attempt suicide
- The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that families "work to accept and support their child's identity"
- HB 693 creates legal protections for rejection — HB 327 creates legal protections for acceptance
- The bill responds to growing concerns about state intervention against affirming parents nationwide