We the People Wednesdays Action for July 22
ACTION 1:
Last week our 2 speakers from Authors Against Book Bans warned us about HR 7661. Although this bill’s official title is the “Stop the Sexualization of Children Act”, its true purpose is not to protect children, but to silence LGBTQIA+ and other marginalized voices. The bill uses federal funding to restrict materials that include “sexually oriented material”, which it defines to include “gender dysphoria or transgenderism”. Books featuring transgender characters would be barred from federally funded school programs even if they contain no sexually explicit conduct whatsoever. Any coming-of-age story, memoir, or picture book that includes a character who is transgender or merely questions their gender would be off-limits. This bill recently passed out of committee just before the July 4 holiday, which may be an indication that HR 7661’s advocates are hoping to slip it in under the radar.
Write to US Rep Dwight Evans to oppose this bill. Adapt this sample text:
Dear Rep. Evans,
Please vote NO on HR 7661. Prevent censorship and erasure of diverse identities.
Sincerely,
<your name and zip>
Rep. Dwight Evans
1105 Longworth
Washington, DC 20515
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ACTION 2:
As the Trump Administration and Project 2025 threaten to cut food assistance, healthcare, housing, workers’ rights, and civil rights protections, Philadelphia can choose a different path. Project Beloved Community is a ten-year plan to build an economy that Philadelphia’s people own and control, using the City’s existing powers, public investments, pension funds, and community ownership—not higher taxes on working families. Its goals include increased affordable housing, 50,000 new living wage jobs, cutting Black poverty in half, reducing gun violence, and strengthening public schools. Its sponsors include Just Nation, Philly Neighborhood Networks, Reclaim Philly, and Penn Policy Center. The legislation for Project Beloved Community is now being reviewed by some City Council members.
Sign the petition in support of the legislation for Project Beloved Community.