Georgia Senate Bill Bans Transgender Care

The Georgia Senate has passed a bill to bar some kinds of gender-affirming care in the state for anyone younger than 18.

All Republican Senators voted for the bill.

They’re overriding pleas against the measure from a Democratic senator who is the mother of a transgender son. The bill advances to the House for more debate. It would ban most gender-confirming surgeries and hormone replacement therapies for people under 18.

However, unlike laws adopted in some states, it would still allow doctors to prescribe medicines to block puberty. It’s is part of a nationwide effort by conservatives to restrict transgender athletes, gender-affirming care and drag shows.

However, unlike laws adopted in some other states, it would still allow doctors to prescribe medicines to block puberty.

“This is simply saying this is a pause and we’re asking that children be 18 years old before they make this decision that will alter their lives forever,” Sen. Carden Summers, a Cordele Republican who sponsored the measure stated.

But opponents of the measure said that “a blanket ban ignores the needs of individuals and sends a message that will lead to more transgender youth harming themselves.”

“I didn’t choose this story,” said Sally Harrell, who talked to lawmakers about her transgender son. “But I did choose to be a mom. And when you choose to be a parent, the most important thing to do is to love your child,” she said.

Opponents say “the bill is an unconstitutional violation of equal protection because it would still allow some kinds of surgeries. Judges have temporarily blocked laws limiting the treatment of transgender youth in Arkansas and Alabama.”

They also decry the state’s attempt to override what parents and physicians decide is best.

“Doctors and mental health professionals, they shouldn’t be in a hurry to treat with hormones and surgery, but banning them outright is not the answer either,” Harrell said.

Opponents also warned that transgender youth are already vulnerable to harming or killing themselves, and that the message the bill sends could make it worse

“If this bill passes, if this bill becomes a law, we know that this bill actually may be deadly,” said Sen. Kim Jackson, a Stone Mountain Democrat who is the first openly lesbian member of the state Senate. “I know there’s been some concerns about children having procedures that may be irreversible. But you know, the most irreversible thing is suicide.”

AP/Oyenike Oyeniyi