LGBTQ+ / Trans Rights
Misgendering & Transphobia (2021)
- Banks intentionally misgendered Rachel Levine, the first openly trans U.S. four-star officer, tweeting she was a “man,” which violated Twitter’s policy and led to suspension of his account Facebook+8The Washington Post+8Sheila Kennedy+8.
Direct Opposition to LGBTQ Rights
- Voted consistently against the Equality Act, objected to marriage equality, and opposed hate-crimes protections for LGBTQ individuals. Critiques have described his public posture as anti‑gay, anti‑liberty, and hostile to LGBTQ rights generally Sheila Kennedy.
Immigration & Anti-Diversity Policies
Nuclear Family Priority Act / Chain Migration Restriction
- Introduced legislation eliminating visa categories for extended family members—limiting sponsorship to immediate family and reducing family-based visas by ~65% Senator Jim Banks.
End Unaccountable Amnesty Act
- As a senator (initiated in House), Banks co-sponsored a bill eliminating mass parole, restricting TPS and asylum for immigrants, tightening rules for unaccompanied minors, and revoking certain immigration protections without legislative approval Wikipedia+5Senator Jim Banks+5Sheila Kennedy+5.
Citizenship Verification Mandate
- Pushed for verification requirements for state and local government employees’ citizenship status—targeting public sector diversity and eligibility justfacts.votesmart.org.
Anti‑DEI & “Anti‑Woke” Measures
Misogyny, Anti‑LGBTQ, Anti‑DEI Signaling
- Led the formation of an “Anti‑Woke Caucus” aiming to dismantle educational and institutional DEI initiatives, suppress LGBTQ inclusion, and enforce conservative identity policies Sheila Kennedy+1glaad.org+1.
“Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History Act” (2025)
- As senator, introduced a bill to ban “wokeness” and “divisive narratives” at the Smithsonian; explicitly prohibits recognition of transgender individuals and LGBTQ history in national exhibits New York Post.
Summary: Key Policies & Rhetoric
| Policy / Statement | Impact Area | Banks’ Stance |
|---|---|---|
| Misgendering Rachel Levine | LGBTQ+ identity | Called her a “man,” Twitter suspension |
| Voting record | LGBTQ+ civil rights | Opposed marriage equality, Equality Act, hate crime protections |
| Nuclear Family Priority Act | Immigration | Ends chain migration, caps family-based visas |
| End Unaccountable Amnesty Act | Immigration & asylum | Limits TPS/parole, restricts refugee admissions |
| Citizenship Verification for Public Employees | DEI / diversity | Requires proof of citizenship to hold public job |
| Anti‑Woke Caucus & Musée Law | Identity & culture | Targets DEI, bans trans recognition in museum displays |
Why These Stand Out
- Transphobic rhetoric: Intentional misgendering of a trans official underscores Banks’s deep opposition to trans rights.
- Systemic immigration restrictions: He has crafted legislation targeting both family reunification and asylum pathways.
- Anti-DEI normalization: Through policy proposals and caucus activity, Banks aims to dismantle diversity and inclusion initiatives in schools, public institutions, and federally funded programs.
Let me know if you’d like full bill texts, voting breakdowns, or comparisons to counterparts for further context.
PACtUP 