Are U.S. firms ready to do more than voice concerns on trans rights?

NEW YORK, May 6 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - Leading U.S. companies have become more vocal in criticizing proposed laws restricting transgender rights and taking a stand on LGBT+ issues but have failed so far to take concrete action against states with such legislation, advocates said.

Nearly 100 companies, including Facebook, Pfizer and Dell, said late last month they were "deeply concerned" about a slew of trans-related legislative proposals presented recently in conservative states, calling the bills "discriminatory".

Anne Lieberman, director of policy and programs at Athlete Ally, a U.S.-based nonprofit LGBT+ athletic advocacy group, said the joint statement underscored the broader willingness of American corporations to step into the political arena.

"Since George Floyd's murder over the summer, that was really a moment ... where you saw businesses across the country really taking a strong stance in wading into political water in ways they haven't done before," Lieberman said.

Republican lawmakers have introduced a record 175 bills in at least 32 states on trans issues so far this year, according to Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the country's largest LGBT+ advocacy group.

Most of the legislative proposals seek to stop trans girls and women from competing in school sports, and to restrict children's access to gender transition-related medical care.

Proponents of the measures say they want to protect young people from medical procedures they could later regret and have voiced concerns that trans athletes have a physical edge that disadvantages girls and women.

It is not the first time big companies have taken a stand on LGBT+ rights issues. Last year, 36 firms signed a statement condemning a Tennessee law allowing adoption agencies to turn away LGBT+ couples on religious grounds.

"The sheer volume of businesses that engage is higher," said Jessica Shortall, director of corporate engagement at Freedom For All Americans, an LGBT+ advocacy group that coordinated the statement with HRC.

"And honestly, practically speaking, there's strength and safety in numbers," Shortall added.

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