Los Angeles LGBT Center Criticizes New Policy, Citing Danger to LGBTQ+ Refugees
In response to President Joe Biden’s executive order that will halt asylum requests at the southern border starting tonight, Terra Russell-Slavin, Chief Impact Officer for the Los Angeles LGBT Center, issued a strong statement of condemnation.
“Just days after acknowledging Pride Month, the Biden administration issued an executive order that will restrict people’s right to seek asylum in the United States, which will have a significant impact on the LGBTQ+ community,” Russell-Slavin said. “With language that’s similar to the Trump administration’s playbook, this executive order will greatly endanger countless lives.”
Russell-Slavin emphasized the daily legal support the Los Angeles LGBT Center provides to LGBTQ+ refugees seeking safety from persecution based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.
“The Biden administration cannot have it both ways: They cannot ‘celebrate’ Pride Month while turning their backs on LGBTQ+ individuals who are seeking the rights our movement is based on,” she added. “We strongly condemn this executive order and urge the President to immediately reverse this harmful action.”