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(CNN) Kentucky Republican lawmakers have banned transgender minors from receiving gender-affirming care, allowed educators to misgender students, and allowed schools to discriminate against students of all ages and sexual orientations. Passed a bill that would not allow any discussion of gender identity.
The bill, if enacted, would prohibit gender-affirming care for minors, such as surgical procedures and the use of certain hormones, and would warn health care providers that patients already receiving such care treatment or set a timeline.
An emotional debate over gender-affirming care for transgender students has become a political flashpoint, especially among conservatives, with lawmakers across the country pushing for steps to limit LGBTQ rights. .
Senate Bill 150 has been delivered to the office of Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear, who has voiced his opposition to the bill. But Republicans have a majority and can override the governor’s veto.
At a press conference earlier this month, Beshear denounced the state legislature’s focus on the issue of culture wars and called on the state legislature to work on raising teacher salaries and expanding health care to residents.
Beshear cited a poll showing that a majority of Kentuckians believe medical decisions about children should be left to parents and their families.
“Some laws going on here in Frankfort are tearing it down and saying, ‘No, big government will tell you what’s best medically for your child.’ , I think that’s wrong,” Beshear said on March 2.
“Polls don’t matter to me when it comes to this issue, because I believe it’s the right thing to do.” We need to stop allowing children to take drugs or drugs until they are adults who can make their own choices, and that is the right thing to do.” ”
The Kentucky chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union issued a statement saying, “After a hasty commission hearing, transgender Kentuckians pleaded for their lives and access to critical care for transgender youth. “Because of the petition, the bill was rushed to the House floor.”
“SB150 includes many new laws that represent one of the most extreme anti-trans attacks in the United States,” said an ACLU statement. said it was ready to fight in court.
The Trevor Project, a suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ youth, has noted the high suicide rate among LGBTQ youth.
Troy Stevenson, director of state advocacy campaigns for The Trevor Project, said, “It’s appalling to see Kentucky legislators rushing to address a dangerous law that only puts young LGBTQ Kentuckians at risk. “Last year, almost half of LGBTQ youth in Kentucky seriously considered suicide. It’s a youth mental health crisis.”
CNN’s Ray Sanchez contributed to this report.
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