Daily newsletter 2/6

➡️ Virginia’s new Governor Abigail Spanberger is on a roll, signing legislation that will allow voters to weigh in on the state’s ban on same-sex marriage, as well as a proposed reproductive rights amendment.

We also have an encouraging update on Florida’s funding cuts for HIV medication, and Republicans in Utah are ignoring research they commissioned themselves to pass a ban on gender-affirming care for youth.

And we’re rounding out the week with explainers on how Black Americans are disproportionately criminalized for living with HIV, and the state of LGBTQ+ rights in Italy as the Winter Olympics kick off.

Have a good weekend,

Christine Linnell
Social media manager, The Advocate

Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger sends marriage equality & abortion rights amendments to voters

Office of Gov. Abigail Spanberger/Screenshot

“We want to make sure that Virginia families know that here in Virginia, it is not just a Supreme Court decision that protects them, but it is also our state constitution," the Democratic governor said.

Florida restores funding for 16,000 people's HIV medication — for now

Shuttershock Creative

Florida has reversed funding cuts for HIV medication — but only until it can go through the formal rule-making process.

Utah Republicans, ignoring their own study, pass ban on gender-affirming care for youth

Venture Out Media / Shutterstock.com

Utah Republicans have passed a bill restricting gender-affirming care for youth, ignoring research they commissioned.

Black Americans are disproportionately criminalized for living with HIV. Here's how

Talukdar David/Shuttershock.com

Through "heightened surveillance, arrest, and conviction," Black Americans are more likely to be criminalized for their HIV.

What to know about LGBTQ+ rights — or lack thereof — in Italy as Olympics begin

Andrea Carrubba/Anadolu via Getty Images

The nation, which has a far-right government, lags many others in Europe when it comes to LGBTQ+ equality.

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