ASBURY PARK — In response to last-minute concerns suggesting that the reproductive and trans healthcare provider shield bill is inconsistent with the First Amendment, Garden State Equality, alongside a broad coalition of civil and reproductive rights organizations, is issuing the following clarification.

The language in this critical bill was crafted carefully and narrowly to only address harassment and intimidation against healthcare providers and patients and contains the added protection of a severability clause. However, we are also committed to forward movement that aligns with all of our partners in this effort. To this end, we join with them united in ensuring this bill is amended to maintain the intent and integrity of the much-needed protections while satisfactorily addressing First Amendment concerns.

We assure New Jersey’s trans and gender diverse communities that we are undeterred in our commitment to the passage of this bill, which is far more necessary than the particular section that raised this concern.

Our rally will nevertheless go on tomorrow morning at 11 am at the Statehouse to show our continued support for this essential legislation.
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Garden State Equality, the largest LGBTQ+ advocacy organization in New Jersey, lifts up the diverse voices of LGBTQ+ communities through education, advocacy, and wellness to advance the movement for equality in New Jersey and nationally.