LGBT Tech Joins Garden State Equality in Opposing Harmful Internet Access Legislation in New Jersey

LGBT Tech is proud to stand alongside Garden State Equality, Planned Parenthood Action Fund of New Jersey, and a broad coalition of advocacy organizations in opposing New Jersey’s proposed legislation A5750/S4215. This bill, if passed, would impose strict age verification requirements on social media platforms, posing serious risks to user privacy, freedom of expression, and digital access for LGBTQ+ communities.

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In a recent press release, Garden State Equality highlighted the collective concerns from more than 30 civil rights, youth, health, and LGBTQ+ organizations. The coalition, including LGBT Tech, argues that requiring both minors and adults to verify their age to use social platforms could result in the loss of safe, supportive digital spaces, particularly for LGBTQ+ youth.

As noted in the statement:

“LGBTQ+ youth who may not have supportive parents or guardians may be cut off from access to mental health support, community, and information regarding their health.”

For many in our community, the internet is more than just a place to connect—it’s a lifeline to resources, relationships, and information that can’t always be accessed safely at home or in person. Legislation like A5750/S4215 threatens to undermine that access, forcing individuals to choose between their privacy and their right to participate in digital public life.