In response to what it calls a “dangerous escalation” in nationwide anti-transgender efforts, the Democratic National Committee’s LGBTQ Caucus has formally condemned a growing wave of legislation targeting transgender people, particularly youth, and criticized recent federal actions by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that advocates warn could deepen harm to trans families.
The statement came alongside the passage of Resolution 9, a measure introduced and unanimously approved by the DNC LGBTQ Caucus during its general meeting on December 12 in Los Angeles. The resolution sharply criticizes Republican leaders for promoting anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric under the guise of “protecting children,” while simultaneously downplaying or ignoring sexual abuse scandals within their own ranks.
“Republicans cannot credibly claim to be protecting children while actively attacking transgender kids and their families and while remaining silent or complicit in abuse within their own political movement,” said Pittsburgher Sean Meloy, Chair of the DNC LGBTQ Caucus.
According to the caucus, the resolution aims to expose what it describes as a political strategy rooted in fearmongering and scapegoating, rather than genuine concern for child welfare. In addition to condemning recent federal rollbacks of protections and services, the resolution calls attention to Republican efforts to weaken or delay programs addressing human trafficking and abuse.
Meloy emphasized that the fight for child safety must be rooted in survivor-centered policies, transparency, and accountability, not selective outrage.
“Resolution 9 names an uncomfortable truth: scapegoating trans people is not about safety. It is about deflection, power, and avoiding accountability,” Meloy said.
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The resolution comes at a time of heightened tension, with numerous state legislatures advancing bills that restrict access to gender-affirming care, ban trans youth from participating in sports, or criminalize support for transgender minors. These measures have been widely denounced by medical associations, civil rights groups, and LGBTQ+ advocates as politically motivated and harmful.
Beyond naming the political hypocrisy, Resolution 9 also reinforces the humanity and inclusion of trans people in communities across the country.
“Trans people are not a distraction from protecting children; they are children, parents, neighbors, and members of our communities,” Meloy added.
The caucus is now urging elected officials at all levels to reject anti-trans legislation, reverse harmful federal actions, and commit to policies that protect all children and survivors without relying on fear-based messaging or political cover-ups. The resolution also calls for the continued release and transparency of documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein case, noting the importance of holding all perpetrators accountable, regardless of political affiliation.