Meanwhile in Hawaii

It may seem like the country has become overrun with hate.

But there is still good news from time to time.

The Hawaii House of Representatives on Tuesday passed a bill which prohibits insurance companies from denying, canceling or limiting insurance coverage based on gender identity.

That's something that's really critical, especially now when you have states around the country moving the other direction, explicitly placing into law the ability to discriminate based on who people perceive themselves to be.

Here in Hawaii where we treat everyone with respect and aloha, we think everyone is created equal and ought to be treated the same.

--Rep. Chris Lee (D)

Since the bill had already passed the Hawaiian Senate, it now awaits the signature of Gov. David Ige.

People in Hawaii have been denied coverage for essential medical checks like mammograms or screenings for prostate cancer because of the gender on their driver's license. I hope the bill will expand access to hormone treatments.

We're talking about people's existence, their lives. This is necessary to their living, because we have so many trans deaths just because they cannot access hormones, or they can't afford hormones.

--Kaleo Ramos, transgender teacher

Three Republican representatives opposed the bill, including Rep. Bob McDermott, who said he was concerned that the bill would mandate insurance coverage for gender-reassignment surgeries, which he claimed would increase costs for everyone.

This bill would be much more compassionate if we offered them free psychiatric care ... instead of trying to address a psychological disorder with a physical solution.

--McDermott

A good portion of what he said was inaccurate, and more in line with what we're hearing on the national level, targeting and perhaps even demonizing a group of citizens.

--Rep. Lee

Around the country, 10 jurisdictions, including Washington, D.C. have laws or policies banning discriminatory exclusions and denials of treatment based on gender identity, according to Equality Hawaii, a nonprofit organization.

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Steven D's picture

Thanks, Robyn.

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"You can't just leave those who created the problem in charge of the solution."---Tyree Scott

featheredsprite's picture

Good! Maybe there is some hope for us after all. Smile

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Life is strong. I'm weak, but Life is strong.

statistically it may as well be zero I'm sure. Still, 10 IS better than zero.

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With their hearts they turned to each others heart for refuge
In troubled years that came before the deluge
*Jackson Browne, 1974, Before the Deluge https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7SX-HFcSIoU

Lookout's picture

States like yours gives me hope. Here in the 3rd world state of Alabama where we still fight racism and narrow mindedness, it is nice to hear of successes. Thanks for the story.

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“Until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”

Males harrassing females in bathrooms!
My favorite comment there is :

On this episode of "Cops" someone trying to use the public restroom WITHOUT providing proof of gender.
Bad boys, bad boys, whatcha' gonna' do, whatcha' gonna' do when you need to pooh?

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With their hearts they turned to each others heart for refuge
In troubled years that came before the deluge
*Jackson Browne, 1974, Before the Deluge https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7SX-HFcSIoU