Worry from LGBTQ community after several bills aim to take away rights

TULSA, Okla. (KTUL) — There's several new 2020 legislative bills striking fear in some in the community.

Most of the bills are concerning LGBTQ rights, reproductive justice and immigration.

Sunday at theDennis R. Neill Equality Center, a town hall was held for people to learn and discuss these possible laws.

"Folks can feel dis-empowered when it comes to legislation and talking about new bills...especially marginalized community. So coming to events like this gets things on paper and really have a discussion that's not as intimating," saidLogan Hutson, diversity inclusion manager at Campfire Green Country.

Some of the bills being proposed including banning all abortion, and making it a felony for both the patient and provider.

They both could also face 40-50 years in prison as well as a $500,000 fine.

Another bill, would make it illegal for doctors to to treating transgender procedures for teenagers under 18.

"If youth are not able to get the care that they need, they're more likely to have negative health disparities. It's daunting to see the stats on how likely LGBTQ youth is likely to have suicidal thoughts," saidTaylor Ray, LGBTQ program coordinator for Youth Services of Tulsa.

Ray said it's upsetting to see legislation bringing down the community.

But he's not giving up hope on Oklahoma after a lawmaker is proposing to ban conversion therapy.

There will be another town hall meeting at the equality center next month.