(PatriotWise.com) – Gender-affirming treatments and surgeries were banned for minors in the state of Utah after Republican Governor Spencer Cox signed legislation last week, according to Newsmax. Republican State Sen. Michael Kennedy reportedly sponsored S.B. 16, “Transgender Medical Treatments and Procedures Amendments,” arguing that the “radical and dangerous” surgeries “lack sufficient research.”
The bill will ban healthcare providers from conducting hormone therapy on children who were not diagnosed with gender dysphoria before a specific date and prevent doctors from performing life-changing operations on minors. The bill directs the Utah Department of Health and Human Services to “conduct a systematic review of the medical evidence regarding hormonal transgender treatments.”
Not all Republicans in the state legislature were on board with the bill. Sen. Daniel Thatcher argued that it could cost the lives of transgender youth. Citing a study by the American Academy of Pediatrics on transgender suicide rates, he said that “every credible organization on the planet” believes that “gender-affirming” care is the safest and best possible option for minors with gender dysphoria.
The governor had a different take on the issue, saying that the legislature will continue to investigate the science as more and more states and countries around the world ban these life-altering procedures and treatments.
Gender identity and transgender rights are at the forefront of American politics. Former President Donald Trump, who already launched his third consecutive run for the White House, recently vowed to end the “transgender madness” in a video to his supporters. He also said that he will revoke “gender-affirming care” that gives children puberty blockers.
In one case, the Oregon Department of Education is tackling gender identity issues by recommending that staff hide students’ identities from parents, according to American Pigeon. Maryland County Public Schools reportedly issued similar guidance and recommended that “unsupportive parents” be put through a reeducation program.
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