First State to BAN ‘Gender-Affirming’ Procedures For Minors

Utah became the first state to ban genital mutilation of children this year.

The Utah Senate passed legislation on Friday that prevents minors from receiving “gender-affirming surgeries” and blocks access to puberty blockers and hormone therapy.

The Utah Senate has voted to give initial approval to a bill to ban gender-affirming surgeries and place a moratorium on puberty blockers for minors. #utpol https://t.co/LxlxrzKJjT

— KSL (@KSLcom) January 19, 2023

S.B. 16 Transgender Medical Treatments and Procedures Amendments states:

Prohibits performing sex characteristic surgical procedures on a minor for the purpose of effectuating a sex change

The bill, also approved by the Utah House of Representatives, would become effective May 3rd, 2023.

However, minors diagnosed with ‘gender dysphoria before the effective date would qualify for procedures if they meet certain requirements.

Utah bans gender-affirming care for minors https://t.co/s6NDL7U6ri pic.twitter.com/FuZxBhlny3

— The Hill (@thehill) January 28, 2023

NBC News reported:

The bill now heads to the desk of Gov. Spencer Cox, who became the second Republican governor last year to veto a bill that bars transgender students from playing girls’ sports.

In an emotional letter about his veto, Cox cited research about the high risk of suicide among trans youths and additional research that has found that acceptance reduces the risk of suicide.

“I don’t understand what they are going through or why they feel the way they do. But I want them to live,” he wrote. “And all the research shows that even a little acceptance and connection can reduce suicidality significantly.”

But Cox told local news station Fox 13 on Thursday, after the ban on gender-affirming care passed the House, that he did not plan to veto the bill.

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox signed the bill on Saturday.

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox signed a controversial bill that would ban gender-affirming health care and hormone therapy for transgender children. https://t.co/36yyUQojuB

— Axios (@axios) January 28, 2023

From Axios:

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox (R) signed a controversial bill Saturday that would ban gender-affirming health care and hormone therapy for transgender children.

The big picture: The move follows similar legislation enacted in other GOP-led states amid a larger wave of anti-trans bills, many of which target youth.

Details: SB16, introduced by state Sen. Michael Kennedy (R-Alpine), a family physician, would prohibit sex reassignment surgeries and puberty blockers for transgender minors.

• The bill is more restrictive than the one Kennedy first introduced on the Senate floor last week. The initial bill included a moratorium on puberty blockers.
• On Friday, Kennedy said there was a high likelihood the bill would face a legal challenge.
• “I’m afraid that I’m going to be working on this for the rest of my political life,” he said on the Senate floor before it passed.