By Zoya Raza-Sheikh For the Full Story
Nevada will become the sixth state requiring schools to offer an LGBTQ+ inclusive school education from kindergarten through to graduation.
Democrat Gov. Steve Sisolak signed A.B 261 at the Henderson Pride Festival alongside three other bills.
Before signing the bill, Sisolak highlighted the need for pro-LGBTQ+ regulations to help support and empower the community.
“It is so important that we bring these bills to the community, to this center to help you understand how important this is,” Gov. Sisolak said.
The assembly bill calls for the board of trustees and governing bodies to “ensure” students from kindergarten through to graduation are offered an education “on the history and contributions to science, the arts and humanities”.
The bill’s outright spotlights Native American history, marginalised LGBTQ+ communities, as well as marginalised racial and ethnic backgrounds.
Gov. Sisolak shared a post celebrating the turnout at the Henderson Pride Festival and support for the LGBTQ+ bills.
“I want to everyone from the Henderson Equality Center for inviting me today and to everyone who joined us at their grand re-opening event where I had the opportunity to sign four very important pieces of legislation into law, SB109, SB237, SB275, and SB325,” Sisolak posted on Twitter.
The Gov added: “Earlier this month, I was proud to proclaim June as LGBTQ+ Pride Month in NV as we remain committed to equality & this month is an opportunity to recognize the impact that lesbian, gay, bisexual, & transgender individuals have had & will continue to have on our State & nation.”
Four other laws were signed by Gov. Sisolak included SB 109, SB 237, SB 275, and SB 325.
Senate Bill 109 will require local governments to include the LGBTQ+ community in data collections with demographic information related to race, ethnicity, gender identity, and gender expression.
SB 237 will ensure ensures the state provides equal access, opportunities, and backing to enable LGBTQ-owned businesses to thrive.
Gov. Sisolak summarised SB 275 as a law to decriminalise and HIV and establish the Advisory Task Force on HIV Exposure Modernization for the 2021-2022 Legislative Interim.
The final piece of legislation was SB 325. This bill will allow pharmacists to use their knowledge and recourses to increase access to care for HIV patients.