In a remarkable turn of events, the state of Texas has introduced a new law that bans any kind of medical intervention for children related to gender change. This includes hormone treatments and puberty-blocking medications.
#Texas children seeking to change their gender identity will no longer have access to puberty blockers, sterilization, and permanently disfiguring “gender-transition” surgeries in the state under a new law signed by Gov. @GregAbbott_TX. https://t.co/OkwLuskA4a
— The Epoch Times (@EpochTimes) June 7, 2023
The Governor of Texas, Greg Abbott, a member of the Republican Party, has given his approval to this law. The law forbids any action that can physically alter a child’s body for the purpose of gender change. Now, Texas joins nearly 20 other states that have created similar rules.
No longer will any doctor or other medical professional in Texas be allowed to perform these procedures on children. If a child wants such procedures, they will have to go to a different state. States like California, Minnesota, and New York are examples of places where such treatments are still allowed.
The new law only allows children who have already started gender change treatments to continue for a short time. The law states that doctors must help these children to slowly stop taking their medication.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), however, is not happy about this new law. They are planning to fight it in court. The ACLU says it has a responsibility to stand up for young people who wish to change their gender.
The ACLU says there is a lot of scientific and medical support for these procedures. But we would like to see this evidence. Many people believe that these procedures are never the right option for children.
Other countries, like the United Kingdom and many places in Europe, are also banning these procedures. They are questioning how these treatments for children became so common.
The U.K.’s Tavistock Gender Identity Development Service (GIDS) is closing down. It has been accused of leaving “thousands of damaged children” behind. It seems like the ACLU is supporting the wrong side of this debate.
After many complaints from patients, parents, and whistleblowers, an investigation into Tavistock was started. It found that children were being hurried into these procedures when they needed protection instead.
It was decided that Tavistock was not safe for patients in the long term. So, it was planned to be shut down in the spring of 2023.
For more than 18 years, people have been complaining about Tavistock to the National Health Service (NHS). But the NHS didn’t do anything until several cases reached the High Court.
Texas is trying to prevent a similar situation from happening there. Even though it may upset some people, Texas is trying to do what is best for children.
Some people are questioning how we can call it “progressive” to encourage children to believe they are the opposite gender and then help them change their bodies.
Others call it an “attack on humanity” and believe that the goal is to harm an entire generation of children.
All these developments highlight the need for thoughtful discussions on how we understand and approach the issue of gender identity in minors.
