A federal judge has determined that Ron DeSantis was disseminating falsehoods when he referred to gender-affirming care as “mutilation.”
This year has been a series of setbacks for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. His presidential ambitions are dwindling due to his lack of charisma and campaign missteps. His conflict with Disney is draining millions from Florida taxpayers. Additionally, a federal court has strongly suggested that DeSantis was dishonest in justifying his prohibition on medical care for transgender youth.
DeSantis consistently argued that the law was essential to prevent the “mutilation” of young individuals. For instance, he criticized a reporter who challenged him on this when he signed the bill in May.
“And when you talk to people—I know people in your industry will dress it up with a euphemism—and they’ll say it’s health care to cut off the private parts of a 14 or 15-year-old,” DeSantis stated. “That is not health care. That is mutilation.”
Inform that to U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle.
“When assessing the governor’s motives, how should I interpret these statements? It appears to be more than mere exaggeration.”
Hinkle is overseeing a legal challenge to the law brought by three Florida families with transgender children. He has implemented a stay against the measure from being enforced during the legal proceedings and has consistently shown skepticism toward the state’s arguments. In a ruling that invalidated Florida’s ban on Medicaid coverage for gender-affirming care, Hinkle emphasized, “Gender identity is real.”
Hinkle conceded that he cannot completely discern DeSantis’ intentions. He raised the question of whether the plaintiffs could demonstrate that DeSantis endorsed the law “because he hates transgender people.” The families’ attorney argued that the law is inherently unconstitutional, making DeSantis’ motivations less pivotal to the case.
Hinkle indicated his belief that the law’s purpose isn’t truly to prevent mutilation but rather to obstruct transgender youth from accessing healthcare. This strongly suggests that DeSantis might face an unfavorable ruling from the court.
This development also signals that DeSantis might have based his campaign on an unsuccessful concept. Relying heavily on anti-trans stances to perform well in the Iowa presidential caucus, he finds himself facing challenges with Nikki Haley gaining popularity and his campaign in disarray. The outlook for him in Iowa appears uncertain, making the end of 2023 potentially regrettable for DeSantis, with the prospect of 2024 being even more challenging.
Bridget Ziegler, who supported the signing of Florida’s ‘don’t say gay’ law, implicated in another sex tape scandal.
Sarasota police acquire a second sex video involving Christian Ziegler, Chair of the Republican Party of Florida, featuring his wife Bridget Ziegler in an intimate encounter with another woman.
The Florida Center for Government Accountability, the organization that first reported on the investigation into rape allegations against Christian Ziegler, Chair of the Republican Party of Florida, has revealed that local law enforcement sources confirm the existence of a second sex tape involving Ziegler’s wife, Bridget Ziegler, with another woman. It remains unclear whether the woman in this video is the same individual who accused Christian Ziegler of rape, or if it involves a different person.
Police have acquired a video recorded by Christian Ziegler, Chair of the Republican Party of Florida, depicting a sexual encounter with the woman who has accused him of rape. Law enforcement sources, detailing the contents of the tape to the Florida Center for Government Accountability, suggest that the video introduces complicating factors into the case against Ziegler, as certain details appear to contradict the events as described by the woman in Sarasota who brought forward the accusations.
While investigating Christian Ziegler, police discovered another video, as reported by the Center for Government Accountability. The identity of the woman in this new video remains unclear at this point.
“There is uncertainty about whether the woman in the video is the same individual who accused Christian Ziegler of sexual assault. Requests for comments from both Christian and Bridget Ziegler have gone unanswered, as reported by the Trident.
Bridget Ziegler, known for co-founding the conservative Moms for Liberty organization, has been serving on the Sarasota County School Board in her recent capacity.
In the process of obtaining a search warrant, Bridget Ziegler acknowledged to law enforcement that over a year earlier, she had participated in a threesome with her husband and the woman. Speculation in Southwest Florida continues about the couple’s involvement in a non-traditional marriage for an extended period. This revelation is particularly noteworthy given that the political power couple had consistently advocated for social conservative values, with Bridget Ziegler notably standing alongside Governor Ron DeSantis during the signing of Florida’s controversial ‘don’t say gay’ law.
The disclosure of involvement in threesomes has sparked significant political turmoil for Bridget Ziegler. In response, the Sarasota County School Board, in a 4-1 vote earlier this month, called for her resignation. However, only Governor DeSantis possesses the authority to remove her from office.
“In a recent vote by the board, Nicholas Machuca, the deputy director of development at LGBTQ+ rights group Equality Florida, emphasized, ‘Now, let me be clear, participation in same-sex activities is not shameful. However, Bridget Ziegler has engaged in this while concurrently denigrating our community and actively working to implement policies that directly marginalize us. Such hypocrisy is unacceptable.”
All statewide officials, led by DeSantis, have urged Christian Ziegler to resign. The executive board of the Republican Party of Florida recently decreased his salary, censured him, and initiated a procedure to oust him in January. Reportedly, Christian Ziegler is seeking a $2 million settlement to step down.
The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD) has not provided a reason for the cancellation of the December 13th meeting. This decision coincides with a tumultuous period for the board of supervisors, appointed by Ron DeSantis.
Supervisor Bridget Ziegler’s standing on the board is uncertain due to abuse allegations against her husband, Christian Ziegler. Bridget Ziegler, known for her association with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ “Don’t Say Gay” bill, has faced criticism for her anti-LGBTQ+ stance despite alleged personal involvement with a woman alongside her husband. Calls for the Zieglers to exit Florida politics are increasing, raising questions about Bridget Ziegler’s status at CFTOD. As of now, the CFTOD website indicates her position on the board is in place until 2/26/25.
This week initiates court hearings in Disney’s legal action against Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District board.
Disney contends in its federal lawsuit that there is a “deliberate government-backed campaign of retaliation, orchestrated at every level by Governor DeSantis as reprisal for Disney’s protected speech. This campaign poses a threat to Disney’s business operations, imperils its economic prospects in the area, and infringes upon its constitutional rights.”
Ron DeSantis and the CFTOD submitted a motion to dismiss the case, scheduled for a hearing on December 12, a day before the recently canceled December 13 board meeting.
The mother of a transgender girl broke into tears in federal court on Wednesday, fearing she might have to relocate away from her Navy officer husband to access healthcare for her 12-year-old if Florida’s ban on gender dysphoria treatments for minors is implemented.
Republican presidential candidate and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks at an annual Basque Fry at the Corley Ranch in Gardnerville, Nev., Saturday, June 17, 2023. The mother of a transgender girl sobbed in federal court Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023, as she contemplated having to move away from her Navy officer husband to get health care for her 12-year-old if Florida’s ban on gender dysphoria treatments for minors is allowed to take affect.
The woman, identified as Jane Doe to safeguard her child’s identity, shared in court that her daughter’s life transformed from anxiety and distress to that of a thriving, happy straight-A student about eight years ago. This transformation occurred after making the decision, along with her husband, to allow their child to live as a girl—a choice influenced by numerous consultations with their family doctor.
As the girl approaches puberty, the mother expressed concern that her daughter may undergo unwanted changes without treatment, potentially causing devastation for her and the entire family.
“I am willing to go to the ends of the Earth to get the help my daughter needs,” the woman testified tearfully, contemplating the possibility of her family being torn apart and having to live somewhere else away from her husband.
The testimony unfolded as a trial commenced to challenge Florida’s prohibition on medical interventions for transgender minors, including hormone therapy or puberty blockers. This law, advocated by Republican Governor Ron DeSantis as part of his presidential campaign, also imposes limitations on transgender care for adults.
“This originated with the governor,” stated Thomas Redburn, an attorney representing transgender adults and families with transgender children.
He highlighted additional laws advocated by DeSantis, demonstrating that the governor and Republican legislators have targeted transgender rights. This includes regulations limiting the use of pronouns in schools to those that align with individuals’ sex at birth.
However, Mohammad Jazil, the state’s attorney, argued that the law is about protecting individuals. He cited instances where individuals were prescribed hormones after a brief 30-minute telehealth session. He also mentioned cases where people decided to detransition, experiencing permanent damage from their treatments.
“This case isn’t about overregulation, it’s about under-regulation,” Jazil stated.
Judge Robert Hinkle has temporarily halted the enforcement of the law until the trial concludes. The lawsuit also contests restrictions on adult transgender care, which are currently permitted to be enforced during the trial.
As of now, 22 states have implemented laws limiting or prohibiting gender-affirming medical procedures for transgender minors. Legal challenges have been raised in numerous states with varying outcomes. In Arkansas, the first such law was invalidated by a federal judge who ruled that the ban on care violated the due process rights of transgender youth and their families.
Enforcement of similar laws is currently blocked in two states apart from Florida, while in seven other states, enforcement is either currently allowed or set to go into effect soon.
Redburn argued in the opening statements that the Florida law is unconstitutional as it singles out an entire group of people. He highlighted that non-transgender adults can receive the same treatments, such as estrogen and testosterone, without facing similar restrictions.
“The state of Florida has determined that individuals should not be transgender,” Redburn asserted. “The fewer transgender people, the better.”
The mother of the girl testified that their family’s pediatrician diagnosed her daughter with gender dysphoria when she started showing a preference for girls’ toys and clothes at the age of 3. She recounted instances of her daughter screaming and removing her clothes in the car seat during trips to preschool. To access specialized care, the family has undertaken four-hour round trips to the University of Florida.
Regarding risks such as infertility mentioned by Jazil in the opening statements, the woman emphasized, “The benefits for my daughter far outweigh the potential risks. Her greatest fear is what she refers to as turning into a boy. I’ve reassured her that won’t happen.”
Jazil briefly questioned the girl’s mother, highlighting that the University of Florida health records did not include a height and weight for Jane Doe’s daughter.
Redburn emphasized that gender dysphoria is a genuine condition, not a choice influenced by social media or the internet, contrary to policymakers’ arguments. He highlighted how Republican lawmakers, advocates of the law, portrayed transgender individuals as evil and part of a cult. Additionally, he pointed out that the bill’s sponsor argued that God doesn’t make mistakes.
On a different note, three educators filed a lawsuit challenging the law restricting pronoun use in schools. They argue that the legislation prohibits transgender and nonbinary teachers from expressing their authentic selves.
Ironically, Jazil consistently used “her” and “she” when referring to Jane Doe’s daughter, despite the state’s mandate for others to use pronouns based on birth sex in schools.
The trial concerning transgender health care is anticipated to span five days.
Circuit court judge rules proposal ‘results in the diminishment of Black voters’ ability to elect their candidate of choice’
A judge in Florida has delivered a verdict in favor of voting rights groups that had filed a lawsuit against a congressional redistricting map endorsed by Ron DeSantis in 2022. The map had faced criticism from voting rights advocates for undermining political influence in Black communities.
In the ruling, Leon County Circuit Judge J. Lee Marsh has ordered the map to be returned to the Florida legislature for a redraw that aligns with the state’s constitution.
In his ruling, Marsh stated, “Under the stipulated facts (in the lawsuit), plaintiffs have shown that the enacted plan results in the diminishment of Black voters’ ability to elect their candidate of choice in violation of the Florida constitution.”
The recent ruling is expected to be appealed by the state of Florida, which could ultimately bring the case before the Florida Supreme Court.
The lawsuit specifically centered on a congressional district in north Florida that was previously represented by Democrat Al Lawson, who is Black. Lawson’s district was redrawn into districts represented by white Republicans.
In 2022, Governor Ron DeSantis vetoed a map that initially preserved Lawson’s district and submitted his own map, calling for a special legislative session to enforce its acceptance. Judge Marsh rejected arguments from Florida Republicans who claimed that the state’s provision against weakening or eliminating minority-dominant districts violated the U.S. Constitution.
Olivia Mendoza, the director of litigation and policy for the National Redistricting Foundation, an affiliate of the National Democratic Redistricting Committee, hailed the ruling as a significant victory for fair representation for Black Floridians. She emphasized the need to replace the current discriminatory map with one that restores the fifth congressional district in a way that empowers Black voters to elect their preferred candidate.
In 2022, the Florida Legislative Black Caucus labeled the congressional map approved by DeSantis as voter suppression. The map resulted in Florida Republicans gaining four congressional seats, increasing their representation from 16 to 20 out of 28 seats and securing a narrow majority in the House in 2022.
Before the court decision, the state of Florida and the voting rights groups involved in the lawsuit had reached an agreement that narrowed the focus of the lawsuit to Lawson’s congressional seat. However, a separate lawsuit over the state’s congressional maps is still pending in federal court.
This court decision adds to a series of rulings in the South against Republican-drawn congressional maps due to concerns that redistricting had diminished Black voting power. In June, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned a Republican-drawn map in Alabama and later lifted a hold on a case involving redistricting in Louisiana, returning the case to a lower court. This increases the likelihood that Louisiana will be required to create a second congressional district that empowers Black voters.
The Charlotte County school district will now allow certain exceptions for high school libraries.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis holds the Florida Parental Rights in Education bill after having signed it at Classical Preparatory School in Spring Hill on March 28, 2022.
In Fort Lauderdale, Florida, high-ranking officials in a school district have mandated the removal of all books and materials featuring LGBTQ characters and themes from both classrooms and campus libraries. This decision was made in accordance with a state law supported by Governor Ron DeSantis, which opponents have nicknamed “Don’t Say Gay.”
At a July meeting, Charlotte County Schools Superintendent Mark Vianello and the school board’s attorney, Michael McKinley, addressed queries from the district’s librarians. They inquired if the legislation, officially known as the Florida Parental Rights in Education Act, mandated the removal of books featuring gay characters but devoid of explicit sexual content.
According to a district memo obtained through a public information request by the Florida Freedom to Read Project, the pair replied, “Books with LBGTQ+ characters are not to be included in classroom libraries or school library media centers.” The nonprofit organization, which opposes the law, shared the memo with The Associated Press on Wednesday.
Subsequently, the district made some concessions, permitting a few exceptions in high school libraries. Nevertheless, Charlotte County’s policy remains among the most stringent measures enforced among the state’s 67 countywide school districts to comply with the legislation.
The legislation was initially approved by the Legislature and ratified by Governor DeSantis in 2022, with further enhancements made in the spring. Charlotte County, located in southwest Florida between Fort Myers and Sarasota, has approximately 17,000 students attending its public schools. During the 2022 elections, Governor DeSantis, a Republican presidential nominee contender, secured 70% of the vote in the county as he comfortably won re-election.
The school district did not provide a response to calls made by the AP on Wednesday. The district informed the news website Popular Information, which initially disclosed the memo, that while the document is not an exact transcript of the meeting, it does accurately capture the essence of the discussion.
DeSantis and fellow Republicans have consistently argued that the legislation is sensible, emphasizing that discussions related to sexual orientation and gender identity should be initiated by parents, not teachers, in their interactions with their children. The governor has underscored cultural matters as a central aspect of his presidential campaign, notably confronting the Walt Disney Co. following its public stance against the legislation.
Florida Freedom to Read said Charlotte’s policy is “evidence that fear over thoughtful decision making is winning the day.” But the group says Florida Department of Education officials are to blame for any district confusion or overreach.
“Their failure to lead and use their power to benefit the future of Florida is a disservice to all Floridians, no matter their political leanings,” the group said in a statement. “Parents want politics out of education. We want all students to feel safe and included, so they can focus on their education while in school. Removing all representation of LGBTQ+ people in literature goes against our very principles of living in a free and just, pluralistic society.”
The department did not provide any response to a call and email made on Wednesday requesting comment.
At the meeting in July, librarians were informed by Vianello and McKinley that any reference to sexual orientation or gender identity is forbidden from prekindergarten through middle school and even in high school, “unless supported by the state academic standards.”
The librarians inquired whether this implied the removal of a book, even if it featured a secondary character who is gay, a main character with two moms, or a gay best friend. Vianello and McKinley affirmed with a “Yes,” and further clarified that this prohibition extended to books brought to school by children, even if the content was non-pornographic or not explicit.
“These characters and themes cannot exist,” they responded, according to the memo.
The school district released a statement to Popular Information this week, providing clarification on certain statements made by the superintendent and attorney. According to the statement, some materials featuring LGBTQ themes or characters will remain accessible in high school libraries.
“Books featuring LGBTQ characters are accessible in the media center for grades 9-12. While they may not be utilized for classroom instruction, these books are available for individual study and can be borrowed by students,” the statement said.
The nonprofit said it would not remove a section on gender and sexual orientation, as Florida had requested, and advised districts not to offer the course.
The Florida Department of Education, pictured, accused the College Board of “playing games with Florida students” and said it had not banned the course.
The College Board announced on Thursday that Florida school districts should no longer offer Advanced Placement Psychology, one of the most popular A.P. courses, the latest skirmish in its battle with the state’s Department of Education over how to teach race, gender and sexual orientation.
The College Board, the nonprofit that oversees advanced placement courses and the SAT, revoked its support for A.P. Psychology in Florida, saying it would not abide by the state’s demand to remove a longstanding section on gender and sexual orientation.
“The Florida Department of Education has effectively banned A.P. Psychology in the state,” the College Board said in a statement.
The Department of Education fired back, accusing the College Board of “playing games with Florida students” one week before school starts.
“The Department didn’t ‘ban’ the course,” the department said in a statement. “The course remains listed in Florida’s Course Code Directory for the 2023-24 school year. We encourage the College Board to stop playing games with Florida students and continue to offer the course and allow teachers to operate accordingly.”
More on U.S. Schools and Education
Houston Schools: The decision to fire librarians and effectively close libraries in some of the Texas city’s poorest schools has been the most contentious one yet made by new leaders who were imposed on the district by Gov. Greg Abbott.
Florida Schools: As a new school year begins in Florida, parents are facing bureaucracy and new rules on gender, books, bathrooms and pronouns, an offshoot of Gov. Ron DeSantis’s muscular push for “parental rights” in education.
Under an expanded Florida rule, instruction on gender identity and sexual orientation is now restricted in most cases through the 12th grade. The Florida Department of Education had asked the College Board and other providers of advanced, college-level courses to search their offerings for potential violations.
But the College Board said that it would not modify its content, and that any course that did not address gender and sexual orientation should not be labeled “advanced placement.”
“To be clear, any A.P. Psychology course taught in Florida will violate either Florida law or college requirements,” the College Board said.
The College Board, a powerful nonprofit, has been waging war with the administration of Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican, since earlier this year when his administration rejected the College Board’s new African American studies course. The curriculum included topics such as “queer studies,” reparations and the Black Lives Matter movement, and the administration objected, citing a state law limiting how racism and other aspects of history are taught in public schools.
We delve into Broward County’s recent convention cancellations, attributing the exodus to a perceived unfriendly political environment. Join us as we uncover the factors behind this shift and explore the implications for local and national politics. Let’s unveil the truth behind Broward’s convention scene.
Broward County has lost more than a half-dozen conventions as their organizers cite the divisive political climate as their reason to stay out of Florida.
The list was compiled by Visit Lauderdale, formerly known as the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Broward’s tourism arm said the lost conventions could have brought hotel stays to Fort Lauderdale and its surrounding cities, which also meant money spent on restaurants and attractions.
“We lost this program due to political climate,” according to a Visit Lauderdale spreadsheet listing the decision of the Supreme Council of America Inc., Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite Masons to cancel their convention — and 855 rooms — in August 2024.
“We were so close on this one,” reads the notes on the entry for the 2024 National Family and Community Engagement and Community Schools Conference, which needed more than 2,000 rooms and has bailed. “But, group decided to pull out of Florida due to concerns about what the Governor is doing in the education/schools and that he will likely run in 2024. They do not want to lose attendees due to this.”
Under the explanation for a nationally funded Mississippi-based organization that deals with health care workers, the reason simply reads: “Governor DeSantis.”
An organizer for the event, who did not have authority to speak, said Thursday the group was planning to come to Fort Lauderdale for a staff retreat this summer and have opted for Denver instead.
The reason: The polarization of gay rights and “assault on diversity and equity and inclusion.”
Stacy Ritter, president and CEO of Visit Lauderdale, Broward County’s tourism promotion arm, said she’s “saddened” by the loss of tourism, but said, “It’s not directed at South Florida. We’re not doing anything different than we’ve been doing for the last 30 years.”
She also said the effects won’t be felt for years because the conventions generally book far in advance.
“From an economic standpoint, this is very harmful. We saw in 2020 what happens when visitors stay away — people lose their jobs. By not coming here, the residents of our county, whose values align with these organizations, get hurt. Minority, women and LGBTQ+ businesses rely on visitors for their existence. Staying away hurts those very people.”
The Chicago-based American Specialty Toy Retailing Association had planned a 3,000-person conference in Fort Lauderdale in 2026. A spokeswoman said Thursday they are “probably” headed to Milwaukee instead.
The organization has “a lot of people that don’t like those politics at all,” said spokeswoman Beth Miller.
In a note to the tourism office, she cited the “unfriendly political environment in Florida.”
“This would otherwise be such a fabulous destination for the group. I sure hope things become less polarizing soon,” she wrote the county.
Said Ritter: “I’m saddened because my hometown is welcoming and inclusive and everybody knows that. This isn’t directed at us, which is heartening because they know our values are of supporting diversity and inclusion. It’s a bigger message and there’s little we can do about that.”
A get-away weekend run by the Atlanta-based aParent Miracles Foundation for this November is headed to Texas instead.
The group changed its mind after the NAACP issued a travel advisory for Florida “in direct response to Governor Ron DeSantis’ attempts to erase Black history, and to restrict diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in Florida schools,” the organizer wrote Ritter’s office.
And the Washington, D.C.-based Association of Farmworker Opportunity Programs, which was scheduled to come to Fort Lauderdale in January, diverted to New Orleans instead.
Because of what’s perceived as anti-migrant policies, “we heard some rumblings some people might not be willing to attend,” said Daniel Sheehan, executive director. “We canceled out of an abundance of caution. Maybe some day in the future” the group will return, he said.
The loss of conventions has been particularly felt in Orlando, where groups canceling their events have cited laws that banned most abortions after six weeks, allowed Floridians to carry concealed weapons without a permit, cracked down on illegal immigration, and targeted transgender and LGBTQ+ issues.
The National Society of Black Engineers’ 50th conference, which would have brought up to 15,000 visitors to the Orange County Convention Center in 2024, will now be held in a different city. Organizers with the National Society of Black Engineers told the Orlando Sentinel they were troubled by DeSantis’ efforts to target diversity, equity and inclusion programs in schools and how that would affect student members of the group.
And the Con of Thrones, which typically draws 3,000 to 4,000 fans of the “Game of Thrones” books and television shows, also announced it was pulling the plug on a gathering planned for Aug. 25-27 at the Hyatt Regency Orlando.
A spokesperson for DeSantis on Thursday called the announcements by the groups “nothing more than a media-driven stunt.”
“As Governor DeSantis announced in May, Florida is experiencing record tourism, with the Q1 2023 having the largest volume of visitors during a single quarter in recorded history,” Press Secretary Jeremy T. Redfern said in an email to the South Florida Sun Sentinel. “Under the leadership of Governor DeSantis, Florida’s economy is booming, with Florida being the fastest growing state and having the largest net domestic in-migration.”
Florida has announced new restrictions on Vermont licenses, imposing additional requirements or limitations on their validity or recognition within the state. The move highlights the complex landscape of interstate licensing agreements and regulations, which can vary from state to state.
Montpelier, VT – Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced the passing of a law that could render driver’s licenses and other forms of identification from several states invalid, including Vermont.
Florida Senate Bill 1718 is considered to be a policy to crack down on illegal immigration, attempting to prevent the use of publicly funded services by those who may not pay taxes.
As of July 1, in addition to Vermont, four other states’ IDs will face extra scrutiny from police, as they may provide forms of identification to applicants who do not give proof of citizenship or legal status:
Delaware
Connecticut
Hawaii
Rhode Island
The law directs Florida police officers to write a ticket to anyone they pull over who has what is now recognized as an invalid license.
Differentiating medical facts from misinformation is vital. Rely on trusted sources, fact-check information, and consult medical professionals. Promote critical thinking and health literacy to combat misinformation.
Almost three weeks after Florida’s Republican governor, Ron DeSantis, signed a bill making it a felony for doctors to provide gender-affirming care to transgender minors, a judge issued a preliminary injunction preventing enforcement of the law for three children whose parents are part of an ongoing lawsuit.
Florida is one of at least 20 states that have limited gender-affirming treatment for minors. The legislators sponsoring some of these bills say their intent is to protect children and families from pressure “to receive harmful, experimental puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones and to undergo irreversible, life-altering surgical procedures,” as a new Montana law puts it.
“Gender transitions involving major surgeries not only result in sterility, but other irreversible negative biological effects,” said Montana state Sen. John Fuller, the Republican who introduced the bill.
Such laws and policies, and statements — such as Fuller’s — used to justify them, reflect misconceptions and misinformation that conflate treatments and strip trans youth of essential care.
What is gender-affirming care?
Gender-affirming care is a broad term for many distinct treatments provided to children, teens, and adults. Puberty blockers, for example, are medications that inhibit puberty by suppressing the body’s production of sex hormones, while hormone therapy is the administration of testosterone or estrogen to alter secondary sex characteristics.
One common misbelief heard when legislation is discussed is that gender-affirming medical interventions are provided immediately to any trans or nonbinary kid who walks into a gender clinic.
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