On Friday, a bill was signed by Montana Governor Greg Gianforte prohibiting minors from receiving gender transition treatments.
After being approved by the state House Republicans earlier in the week, Senate Bill 99 was enacted. The governor’s signature followed a controversy involving a transgender state lawmaker who opposed the bill.
The legislation prohibits the use of puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and transgender surgeries for children. Other Republican-led states across the country have advocated for similar bills.
On Wednesday, House Republicans censured Democrat Representative Zooey Zephyr following their testimony on April 18th, which accused GOP lawmakers who supported the measure of having blood on their hands.
“The only thing I will say is if you vote yes on this bill and yes on these amendments. I hope the next time there’s an invocation when you bow your heads in prayer. You see the blood on your hands,” Zephyr said.
Zephyr claimed that withholding gender transition medical care from young people was equivalent to torture. The representative also argued that a ban on such care would result in a higher number of suicides among transgender children.
In a 68 to 32 vote, the censure was passed, which entails that Zephyr will not be permitted on the House Floor for the rest of the legislative session that concludes on May 10th. However, the lawmaker will be permitted to vote remotely.
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