Kentuckians rally against anti-LGBTQ bills at capitol rotunda: ‘Be brave’

FRANKFORT, Ky. (FOX 56) — Hundreds of Kentuckians gathered at the capitol rotunda to rally against several bills being labeled as anti-LGBTQ.

The demonstration comes as the state legislature debates a range of bills that some say would negatively impact the rights of LGBTQ individuals.

Gov. Andy Beshear headlined the event, acknowledging the fear many LGBTQ Kentuckians feel as the bills move through the legislature.

“A lot of people are scared right now about what the president is going to do next and your rights being in danger to our LGBTQ Kentuckians. We’re here for you; we see you, we love you, and we support you,” Beshear said.

At the forefront of many people’s minds was House Bill 495, which seeks to overturn the Governor’s executive order banning conversion therapy. 

Rep. Adrielle Camuel voiced strong opposition to the bill as well as several others, saying it’s not just a policy issue but a personal one.

“They’re designed to inflict harm and to put people in a box or to put them back in their place. These measures don’t just threaten policies; they threaten people,” Camuel said.

Beshear offered a glimmer of hope, promising that if the bill were to pass, he would veto it. However, with Republicans holding a supermajority in the General Assembly, the veto could be easily overridden.

There are currently nearly 20 LGBTQ-related bills being proposed in the state, many of which are expected to negatively impact LGBTQ Kentuckians, according to Fairness Campaign Executive Director Chris Hartman.

Emma Curtis, District 4 councilwoman for the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council, said, “I told you that things might get worse before they got better. And I think we can all agree they’ve gotten worse – but I’m here today to tell you that apathy is not an option, that hope is not a distraction – it is the solution,” Curtis declared.

The rally was filled with energy, with attendees ready to fight against the proposed legislation.

Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman encouraged the crowd to hold their leaders accountable for their actions, not just their words.

“As people show up, don’t listen to their words. Watch their actions, watch their actions, and make sure that you hold these folks accountable. Be bold, be brave,” added Coleman.