Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) testified before the House Judiciary Committee, promoting her bill to ban gender-affirming care for trans minors. In her testimony, she made false claims about the procedures performed on minors, aiming to garner support for her extreme anti-trans bill.
Contrary to Greene’s statements, genital gender-affirming surgery is not performed on minors in the U.S., and mastectomies are rare for older teens who meet stringent criteria. Gender-affirming care for pre-pubescent children primarily involves affirming their gender identity through clothing, names, and pronouns. Puberty blockers, supported by leading medical organizations, are prescribed after puberty onset, and hormone replacement therapy is an option for older trans teens.
Greene’s misleading remarks play into a common lie perpetuated by anti-LGBTQ+ activists, aiming to shock rather than inform. Detransition is rare, and it often occurs due to external factors like family pressure, not regret. Most famous detransitioners later identify as transgender again.
Greene’s “Protect Children’s Innocence Act” seeks to criminalize gender-affirming care for transgender minors, restrict access for transgender adults, and ban medical schools from teaching about it. While the bill has faced challenges, President Biden’s stance emphasizes patient choice in gender-affirming care decisions.
Rep. Greene’s testimony does not necessarily indicate the Judiciary Committee’s endorsement of her bill, as Member Day hearings serve various purposes beyond legislative advancement.