UPDATE: A highly contentious vote in the House of Representatives just concluded, with lawmakers passing a bill that would criminalize transgender medical treatments for minors. The final tally was a narrow 216 to 211, highlighting deep divisions within both political parties and igniting fierce backlash from Democrats and civil rights advocates.
The newly approved legislation, which targets anyone under 18 years old, imposes severe penalties, including up to 10 years in prison for doctors performing transgender-affirming surgeries. Prescribing puberty blockers to minors would also be classified as a crime, and parents facilitating such treatments risk prosecution.
Democrats overwhelmingly rejected the measure, arguing it infringes on parental rights and medical autonomy. Representative Nancy Mace of South Carolina defended the bill, asserting it is essential for protecting children. “Democrats want and defend grooming of children,” she claimed, asserting there are only two sexes, male and female.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) strongly condemned the legislation. Mike Zamore, National Director of Policy & Government Affairs at the ACLU, stated, “This extreme bill puts the threat of prosecution between hundreds of thousands of families and their doctors.” He added that it represents a significant escalation in efforts to marginalize transgender individuals in society.
In a notable twist, three Democrats—Reps. Vicente Gonzales of Texas, Don Davis of North Carolina, and Henry Cuellar of Texas—joined Republicans in support of the bill. Conversely, four Republican members—Reps. Mike Kennedy of Utah, Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania, Gabe Evans of Colorado, and Mike Lawler of New York—voted against it.
The bill now heads to the Senate, where its fate remains uncertain. With Republicans holding a majority, it is unclear whether Senate leadership will bring the legislation for a vote. The political implications of this bill are far-reaching, with potential impacts on countless families and medical professionals across the nation.
As the debate intensifies, this legislation is set to test the limits of parental rights, medical ethics, and the future of transgender healthcare in America. Stay tuned for further updates as this urgent story continues to develop.
