Latest news with #EqualityNM
Yahoo
06-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
LGBTQ-rights group backs NM internet privacy law
Equality NM Executive Director Marshall Martinez says the LGBTQ+-rights group backs a proposal to protect residents' privacy on the internet. A bill recently introduced at the Legislature designed to protect New Mexicans' data from federal scrutiny has the backing of a local LGBTQ rights group, whose executive director says such measures have heightened importance in the current political climate. Reps. Pamelya Herndon (D-Albuquerque) and Angelica Rubio (D-Las Cruces) introduced House Bill 307, the Internet Privacy and Safety Act, on Wednesday with the support of Equality New Mexico. The bill specifically would regulate which entities can collect personal data from internet users, what type of data they can collect, and with whom they can share or sell the data. It would require that apps or websites only collect the data needed to provide a service, and receive a user's affirmative consent to have their data sold or traded to another entity. This would mean apps or websites could not be forced to provide the federal government with a person's data, according to EQNM Executive Director Marshall Martinez. This data includes immigration status, racial identity, gender identity and sexual orientation. If passed, the bill would also help prevent harmful targeted advertisements, Martinez said, like those for weight loss treatments. 'It's protecting people on the internet, protecting people's information on the internet and making sure that everybody has autonomy,' he said. Martinez said the data regulations and improving the safety of the internet are particularly important for the LGBTQ+ community because of President Donald Trump's recent executive orders targeting transgender people. 'Locking down this data is also a way of protecting our community in New Mexico from a hostile federal government,' he said. The bill would also require apps and websites with knowledge that a user is a minor to follow distinct rules about privacy settings. Martinez said the bill is a response to the idea that the internet is inherently dangerous and children inherently need protection. 'Everybody needs protection, and we need protection that protects everybody without restricting access,' Martinez said. The bill was referred to the House Commerce & Economic Development Committee and the House Judiciary Committee. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
06-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
NM advocates respond to Trump's ban of transgender athletes in women's sports
NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – Keeping transwomen out of women's sports is the latest executive order sparking questions across the country. So how will it impact New Mexicans? New Mexico advocates said it isn't about protecting young girls or women, it's about attacking transgender kids. Story continues below Community: Sandia Peak Ski Area is temporarily closing Crime: Albuquerque business takes matters into their own hands when it comes to shoplifters Podcast: What's Behind The Dip In Fentanyl Overdose Deaths? Investigation: 'We held people accountable': Chief takes credit for ending DWI scheme within APD President Donald Trump signed an executive order to ban transgender athletes in women's sports. 'From now on, women's sports will be only for women,' said President Donald Trump. According to testimony from the NCAA president last year, there are less than ten transgender athletes in college sports. In response to the order, the New Mexico advocacy group, Equality NM, has a message for trans athletes, 'Lots of people in New Mexico are fighting for you. We see you. You exist. You matter. And this White House can't take that away. This White House will not erase the existence of trans and non-binary people no matter how many executive orders they sign.' The order, titled 'Keeping Men Out of Women Sports', promises to rescind funds from programs that 'deprive women and girls of fair athletic opportunities.' But Marshall Martinez with Equality NM said, 'We believe that an executive order that prohibits schools from allowing trans athletes to play sports is in violation of New Mexico state law.' Other groups, like the Transgender Resource Center of New Mexico, are also responding – saying, 'We look forward to continuing to affirm, empower and uplift transgender, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming people and their loved ones throughout New Mexico.' The order opposes their participation in women's sports more broadly, as a matter of 'safety, fairness, dignity, and truth.' 'Right now, we don't know what the impact will be for New Mexicans who are trans or nonbinary and playing sports,' said Martinez. The New Mexico Activities Association said in a statement, 'Currently, NMAA bylaws state a student must compete in the gender listed on their original or amended birth certificate.' According to New Mexico law, people are allowed to change their birth certificates to align with their gender identity. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
