Lawmakers Unite to Protect Transgender Youth Across the United States

Strategic Insights -

Lawmakers in more than a dozen states are pushing for legislative protection and refuge bills for transgender youth and their families, in response to recent actions against youth receiving gender-affirming care. The effort is led by Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco, and the LGBTQ Victory Institute, who have drafted template legislation based on a bill introduced in California. This multi-state campaign aims to shield transgender youth and their parents from facing civil or criminal penalties when seeking or receiving gender-affirming care.

Key Takeaways:

  • 19 states have introduced or plan to introduce legislation that will shield transgender youth and their parents from facing civil or criminal penalties when seeking or receiving gender-affirming care.
  • Senate Bill 107 in California declares that another state's law allowing civil or criminal action to be brought against a "person or entity" allowing a child to receive gender-confirming care is "contrary to the public policy of this state."
  • The bill also declares that California law enforcement should not "intentionally participate" in arresting a person who has an out-of-state warrant related to gender-confirming care for youth.
  • 21 lawmakers from states across the nation have pledged to introduce similar bills, representing states including Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and West Virginia.
  • New York and Minnesota have already introduced legislation modeled after Wiener's legislation.
  • Supporters of the bill have acknowledged that it may face an uphill battle in some states but are committed to fighting for its passage.

Statistics:

  • 19 states have introduced or plan to introduce legislation to shield transgender youth and their parents from facing civil or criminal penalties when seeking or receiving gender-affirming care.
  • 21 lawmakers have pledged to introduce similar bills, representing around 20% of all states in the United States.
  • The movement has gained momentum since February, when Gov. Greg Abbott issued a directive for state agencies to launch child abuse investigations into instances of youth receiving gender-affirming care.

Sources:

  • "The Center Square"
  • LGBTQ Victory Institute
  • The California Senate Bill 107