Restrictions on transgender individuals are swiftly gaining momentum across statehouses in the United States, raising concerns among advocates for LGBTQ+ rights. Despite opposition from medical groups and activists who argue that these measures only exacerbate the marginalization of transgender youth and jeopardize their well-being, Republican governors and lawmakers are embracing bills that curtail the rights of trans people.
Florida’s recent ban on gender-affirming medical care for transgender minors, signed into law by Republican Governor Ron DeSantis, is currently being challenged in federal court. The ban is accompanied by other measures that restrict pronoun usage in schools and enforce the use of bathrooms based on assigned sex at birth in certain cases. Additionally, the new legislation introduces limitations on drag shows, granting the state authority to revoke food and beverage licenses of establishments admitting children to adult performances. Liquor licenses have also been threatened for businesses hosting drag shows where children were allegedly present during explicit displays.
In Florida, the ban on gender-affirming care for minors not only prohibits the use of state funds for such treatment but also imposes new restrictions on adults seeking similar care. These regulations took effect concurrently with the restrictions on drag shows, while the pronoun and bathroom restrictions are scheduled to be implemented on July 1. Governor DeSantis has been a vocal proponent of such restrictions and previously championed a law in Florida that limited the teaching of sexual orientation and gender identity in public schools. This prohibition, known as the “Don’t Say Gay” law, has been expanded to cover all grade levels.
The trend of imposing restrictions on gender-affirming care for minors has gained significant traction nationally. This year, hundreds of bills targeting the rights of transgender people have been proposed in various statehouses, with LGBTQ+ advocates reporting an unprecedented number of such measures. Currently, 17 states have enacted laws restricting or banning gender-affirming care for minors, while others are considering similar legislation. Federal judges have already blocked the enforcement of bans in Alabama and Arkansas, and additional legal challenges have been initiated in states where bans have been implemented.
Despite the rapid spread of these bans, it is worth noting that only three states had enacted such laws before this year. Texas, for example, has ordered child welfare officials to investigate reports of gender-affirming care as child abuse, although these investigations have been halted by a judge. In Florida, three transgender youth and their parents are challenging the earlier ban on gender-affirming care for minors, and their lawsuit now encompasses the most recent prohibition signed into law by Governor DeSantis.
Major medical organizations, including the American Medical Association, have consistently opposed these bans and have advocated for appropriate medical care for transgender youth. Lawsuits have been filed in several states that have enacted such measures this year. However, despite the opposition, numerous states are poised to act. Missouri’s Republican Governor Mike Parson is currently considering a proposed ban on gender-affirming care for minors, while Nebraska Republicans have integrated a 12-week abortion ban into a bill targeting gender-affirming care. In contrast, some Democratic-led states are taking steps to protect the rights of LGBTQ+ youth. Recently, Michigan Democrats introduced legislation to ban conversion therapy for minors, a practice discredited for attempting to change an individual’s sexual orientation.
As the wave of anti-transgender restrictions sweeps through US statehouses, the battle for equality and LGBTQ+ rights intensifies. Advocates remain committed to fighting these measures and safeguarding the well-being of transgender individuals across the nation.
