A Kentucky bill that would ban gender-affirming care for transgender children is possibly the the worst piece of legislation in the country for LGBTQ people and could have “deadly consequences” if passed into law, LGBTQ advocates and medical experts say.
Advocates warn that the bill’s ambiguities could make it impossible for transgender children in the state to receive such care, and could even limit their ability to seek counsel from trusted adults in their circle.
“HB 470 would apply criminal penalties to anyone who helped a child struggling with gender identity issues,”. “In other words, it’s so broad and vague, that therapists, even a pastor or school counselor, speaking with a suffering child, possibly suicidal, could be seen as ‘assisting a person with a gender transition.'”by a vote of 75-22, largely along party lines. That number is well above the threshold to defeat a potential veto from Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear.
The bill would lead to a “worsening of an LGBTQ+ mental health crisis” that could turn into a “public health emergency,” Carney added, noting that legislative attacks on LGBTQ rights are “already having a damaging effect on the mental health of trans folks” in the state. Julie Cerel, the director of the University of Kentucky Suicide Prevention and Exposure Lab, agreed with Carney’s assessment.
“We know that if [trans youth] are not supported in their sexuality and in their preferred pronouns, that might be associated more with their mental health symptoms than just identifying as LGBTQ,” Cerel said, citing research confirming her view.We’re proud to publish real news 365 days of the year, completely free of charge to our readers.
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