The Tennessee State Legislature passed a bill that would ban the use of puberty blockers, hormone therapy, and surgical operations on children in order to “change” their gender. The legislation now awaits Gov. Bill Lee’s signature.
Lawmakers in the State House passed the legislation 77 to 16, with three Democrats voting with the Republicans.
After allowing for a grace period for those who have already begun to attempt a transition, the bill would authorize the attorney general to investigate healthcare providers who violate the ban, who could be fined up to $25,000.
House Majority Leader William Lamberth remarked that “These children do not need these medical procedures to be able to flourish as adults.”
“They need mental health treatment. They need love and support, and many of them need to be able to grow up to become the individuals that they were intended to be,” Lamberth went on to say. Read more…