South Dakota’s House of Representatives passed a landmark bill Wednesday, criminalizing transgender treatments on children under 16, putting it on track to become the first state in the nation to outlaw sex-change for children.
The bill, H.B. 1057, passed the Republican-controlled House 46-23 and now moves to the Senate, which also is controlled by Republicans. The state’s governor, Kristi Noem, is Republican, although she has expressed concern about the bill.
The bill bans castration, vasectomies and mastectomies on children under 16 and also prohibits puberty-blocking drugs and “supraphysiologic” doses of testosterone and estrogen. Supraphysiologic is a medical term meaning greater than normally present in the body.
Medical professionals who violate it would be subject to a misdemeanor and could face one year in jail.
“This bill is about protecting children,” said Rep. Fred Deutsch, a bill supporter.
The American Civil Liberties Union has threatened legal action if it is signed into law, according to the Argus Leader.
“By blocking medical care supported by every major medical association, the legislature is compromising the health of trans youth in dangerous and potentially life-threatening ways,” the ACLU of South Dakota said in a statement.
Noem has not announced support for or opposition to the bill but told reporters this month: “When you take public…
… Read More
Click here to read the rest of the story from our content source/partners – Christian Headlines.