A piece of legislation that would prevent other states from being able to interfere in gender-affirming care in Minnesota is set to be voted on in the Minnesota House this afternoon.
Gender-affirming care can mean a lot of things, according to Dr. Kelsey Leonardsmith, who is the Interim Medical Director of the Family Tree Clinic.
“For some people, it means, ‘Where can I try on a chest binder so that I can go to my school dance?’ and for some kids, it means medications,” Leonardsmith said.
Activists have spoken out in favor of the legislation, as several states across the country have been discussing potential bans on gender-affirming care for youth.
“Trans folks and LGTBQ folks across this country are feeling scared, are feeling worried, are feeling like there is a wave of legislative attacks,” Outfront Executive Director Kat Rohn said. “Here in Minnesota, we are doing something different. We are changing that national narrative. We are telling folks that they are welcome here, that they are beautiful, that they are perfect just the way they are.”
Among those who don’t support the bill is Republican state Rep. Peggy Scott, who says the legislation is dangerous and does not follow the risks science says come with certain treatments.
“Our own Mayo Clinic and the NIH have stated the risks involved with hormone treatments, especially pre-puberty,” Scott said. “These treatments can be dangerous and permanent. This bill denies that science.”
Scott says the bill was never heard in health committees, undermines parental rights, and has zero guardrails to protect children.
The measure is expected to pass the House.
Related
Related
