CEC Condemns Passage of Trans Youth Healthcare Criminalization Bill

Washington, DC — After the House of Representatives passed Marjorie Taylor Greene’s bill to throw parents and doctors who provide lifesaving, medically-necessary healthcare to young trans people in prison, Congressional Equality Caucus Chair Rep. Mark Takano (CA-39) released the following statement:

"This bill is the most extreme anti-transgender legislation to ever pass through the House of Representatives and a direct attack on the rights of parents to work with their children and their doctors to provide them with the medical care they need. If this bill becomes law, doctors, pharmacists, and—in some circumstances—the parents of young trans people, would face time in prison for choosing to prioritize their child’s health. This bill is beyond cruel and its passage will forever be a stain on the institution of the United States Congress," said Rep. Mark Takano, Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus. "At a time where the federal government is already so hostile towards the transgender community, it is imperative that Senate Democrats hold the line to prevent this dangerous bill from reaching President Trump’s desk in order to protect the rights and safety of young trans people and their families."

H.R. 3492, the so-called “Protect Children’s Innocence Act,” would criminalize providing transgender-related healthcare, including puberty blockers, hormone therapy, and surgeries, to transgender people under 18. Under the bill, anyone who engages in the described conduct would be subject to fines, imprisonment, or both. This would include parents in some circumstances who help their child get puberty blockers or hormone therapy.