UPDATE: In a heated vote on Wednesday, October 25, 2023, the House of Representatives approved a controversial bill that makes providing transgender medical treatments to minors a federal crime. The final tally was 216-211, highlighting stark divisions within Congress and igniting fierce backlash from Democrats and civil liberties advocates.
This legislation, if enacted, would impose severe penalties on healthcare providers, with doctors facing up to 10 years in prison for performing transgender-affirming surgeries on anyone under 18. Additionally, prescribing puberty blockers to minors would also become a criminal offense, putting parents who consent to such treatments at risk of prosecution.
Democratic lawmakers expressed overwhelming opposition, arguing that the bill extends beyond previous legislative efforts by infringing on parental rights and medical practice. Mike Zamore, National Director of Policy & Government Affairs at the ACLU, condemned the measure, stating, “This extreme bill puts the threat of prosecution between hundreds of thousands of families and their doctors.”
The bill saw a few surprising cross-party votes. Notably, three Democrats—Reps. Vicente Gonzales (TX), Don Davis (NC), and Henry Cuellar (TX)—joined Republicans in support. Conversely, four GOP members—Reps. Mike Kennedy (UT), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA), Gabe Evans (CO), and Mike Lawler (NY)—voted against the bill.
Republican supporters, including Rep. Nancy Mace (SC), argue the bill is crucial for protecting children. Mace vehemently criticized Democratic opposition, labeling it as support for what she called “harmful treatment practices.” She asserted, “There is a lie at the heart of the debate… no child is born in the wrong body. There are only two sexes, male and female.”
The legislation now moves to the Senate, where its fate remains uncertain. Although Republicans hold a majority, it is unclear whether Senate leadership will prioritize the bill or if there are enough votes to advance it.
As this story develops, the implications for minors seeking transgender care and the broader debate over parental rights and medical autonomy are set to continue igniting passionate discussions across the nation. This bill not only affects legislative processes but also strikes at the heart of family and medical decision-making in the United States.
Stay tuned for updates on this urgent and contentious issue as it progresses through Congress.
