Study: NM's laws help reduce suicide among LGBTQ youth

[Jessica_Rose]

Study: NM's laws help reduce suicide among LGBTQ youth

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/study-nm-s-laws-help-reduce-suicide-among-lgbtq-youth/ar-AA1nqgpu?ocid=windirect&cvid=405c79abebdd440faa836ee820266fa7&ei=34

A new study suggests laws in New Mexico and 22 other states to protect school-aged LGBTQ youth are having a positive impact.

According to research by the Trevor Project, suicide attempts in states with specific protections for LGBTQ youth were 18% lower, and physical violence reported by those youth was 3% lower.

Katalina Hadfield, a member of Equality New Mexico's board of directors, said she believes the state's progressive protections are due to a community-centered culture.

"Where folks are really willing to help each other out, and look out for one another," said Hadfield. "And I think that is part of what helps students in a lot New Mexico schools feel more included."

In recent decades, New Mexico has seen prominent advances in gay and lesbian rights, where same-sex sexual activity has been legal since 1975.

Last year, a bill passed in the New Mexico Legislature to remove loopholes - and explicitly include local entities and counties to prevent discrimination and human rights violations.