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Georgia Senate Passes Bill That Bans Gender-Affirming Care for Minors

The Georgia Senate has approved a law banning various forms of gender-affirming care for those under 18.

On Monday, all Republicans supported Senate Bill 140 with a vote of 33 to 22.  The vote was part of a national conservative campaign to ban drag shows, gender-affirming care, and transgender athletes.

The bill will prohibit most gender-confirming procedures and hormone replacement therapy for those under 18, which will now be debated in the House.

Similar to laws passed in several other states, it would still permit doctors to prescribe medication to prevent 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,” said Sen. Carden Summers.

Some opponents of the proposal argue that a general ban ignores the needs of individuals and sends a message that encourages transgender children to harm themselves.

“I didn’t choose this story,” said Sen. Sally Harrell, who has a 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.”

While some procedures would still be permitted, the bill’s opponents claim it unconstitutionally violates equal protection.
In Arkansas and Alabama, laws restricting how transgender minors are treated have been temporarily blocked by judges.
Several parents and physicians oppose the state’s attempt to dictate what is best for their children.

“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.

However, opponents of the law cautioned that transgender children already have a higher risk of self-harm or suicide and that the message the bill delivers could exacerbate this risk.

“If this bill passes, if this bill becomes a law, we know that this bill actually may be deadly,” said Sen. Kim Jackson.  “I know there have been some concerns about children having procedures that may be irreversible.  But you know, the most irreversible thing is suicide.”

Other opponents have pushed for more stringent regulations, such as criminal fines and restrictions on puberty-blocking medications.  Sen. Ben Watson argued that it would be preferable to keep the medications available and let state boards penalize offenders.

“We’ve adjusted and refined this bill until I think we’ve threaded the needle and we made a good bill,” Watson said.

Another bill by Summers this year sought to prohibit teachers from talking to students about their gender identity but was tabled after a Senate committee.
As of last year, The Georgia High School Association can now ban transgender athletes from participating on the school sports teams that correspond to their gender identity, thanks to Gov. Brian Kemp.

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Hi All, my name is I’esha and I’ve been a writer for baller alert for 1 year and 2 months. I’m also a student and entrepreneur .

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