Republicans are positioning themselves for a significant shift in power within Congress next year, emphasizing a robust agenda aimed at legislative actions to restrict transgender medical practices for minors.
The dialogue was spearheaded by Senator Roger Marshall, R-Kan., and featured Terry Schilling, the influential president of the American Principles Project (APP), as the moderator. Schilling held discussions with Senator Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., Representative Mary Miller, R-Ill., and Paula Scanlan, a swimmer who poignantly recounted her experiences of competing alongside Lia Thomas, a transgender athlete on the University of Pennsylvania’s women’s swim team.
“This movement has always been fundamentally about safeguarding the future of America, particularly in terms of protecting our children,” Schilling asserted in his opening remarks.
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Senator Roger Marshall, a prominent Republican from Kansas, articulated his commitment to dismantling what he referred to as the “gender industrial complex” during a recent news conference at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.
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“Today, we are taking a stand to safeguard young women and men from what I can only describe as genital mutilation, because that’s precisely what this entails,” Marshall expressed passionately. “It’s incomprehensible to me that we are inflicting irreversible damage on these children.”
Senator Tuberville, the architect behind the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act of 2023, lamented the lack of support from the Democratic party, yet affirmed that Republicans intend to persist with their efforts when Congress reconvenes, particularly as Senate Republicans are anticipated to regain a majority.
Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., recently arrived for a Senate Armed Services Committee confirmation hearing, asserting, “I can’t believe we’re even having to do this. It is pure insanity and has caused irreversible damage to children. This isn’t about politics, folks; this is about good versus evil.”
“Title IX is arguably the most significant achievement from this building in half a century,” Tuberville stated emphatically. “Allowing biological men to compete in women’s sports is not a right, and it undermines the spirit of fair competition.”
Scanlan vividly described her experience as a member of the University of Pennsylvania swim team, sharing the discomfort of changing in the same locker room as Thomas, stating she had to do so “18 times per week.”
Paula Scanlan’s testimony highlighted her feelings of unease competing against a biological male who had transitioned, drawing emphasis to the ongoing debates surrounding gender identity and fairness in sports.
Marshall emphasized that Congress is set to introduce the Safeguarding the Overall Protection of Minors Act (STOP), a bill that aims to impose penalties on individuals performing surgeries or administering medication to minors.
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Insights from a recent APP report, as featured by Fox News Digital, reveal that the market for transgender drugs and surgeries is expected to reach an astounding $4.4 billion in 2023, with projections indicating this figure could soar past $7.8 billion by 2030.
Aubrie Spady is a Writer for Fox News Digital.
What are Terry Schilling’s views on the implications of the “gender industrial complex” for parental rights in the decision-making process regarding minors’ medical treatments?
**Interview with Terry Schilling, President of the American Principles Project**
**Interviewer:** Today, we are joined by Terry Schilling, the President of the American Principles Project, who has been actively involved in discussions surrounding recent Republican initiatives related to transgender medical practices for minors. Terry, thank you for joining us.
**Terry Schilling:** Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to discuss this important issue.
**Interviewer:** Recently, Senator Roger Marshall emphasized a commitment to dismantling what he calls the “gender industrial complex.” Can you explain what that means for those who may not be familiar with the term?
**Terry Schilling:** Absolutely. When Senator Marshall speaks of the “gender industrial complex,” he’s referring to the network of organizations and practices that advocate for gender transition therapies, particularly for minors. Our goal is to raise awareness about the potential long-term consequences of such procedures, which we believe can cause irreversible harm to children. We want to ensure that parents and medical professionals are fully informed when it comes to treating gender dysphoria in young people.
**Interviewer:** There’s a notable emphasis on the idea of safeguarding children in these discussions. How do you respond to critics who argue that these policies infringe on the rights of transgender individuals?
**Terry Schilling:** I understand that there are strong feelings on both sides of this debate. However, our stance is centered on child protection. We believe that children often do not have the maturity to make life-altering decisions regarding their bodies. Our focus is on ensuring that children are not rushed into decisions that could lead to regret later in life. This is about safeguarding their future, which should be a priority for all of us.
**Interviewer:** You also recently hosted a discussion featuring athletes and lawmakers like Senator Tommy Tuberville and Representative Mary Miller. What were some of the key takeaways from that event?
**Terry Schilling:** The primary takeaway was the importance of legislative action in protecting the rights of women and girls in sports. Senator Tuberville introduced the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act of 2023, which is essentially about ensuring fairness in athletics. The narratives shared by athletes like Paula Scanlan, who competed against transgender athlete Lia Thomas, highlight the real impacts these policies have on women’s sports. This isn’t just a political issue; it’s personal for many female athletes who feel their opportunities are being compromised.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned the bipartisan nature of this issue earlier. What do you see as the path forward for Republicans in this legislative landscape, especially given the divided nature of Congress?
**Terry Schilling:** It will be challenging, but there is a growing awareness among the public regarding these issues. If Republicans can unify around the message of protecting children and ensuring fairness in women’s sports, I believe we can garner support not just within our party, but also appeal to concerned parents and citizens across the aisle. The platform we’re laying down is deeply rooted in the belief that we’re safeguarding America’s future—this is something I hope can resonate beyond party lines.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Terry, for sharing your insights on this critical issue. It’s clear that the conversation around transgender rights and protections for minors will continue to be a hot topic as we move forward.
**Terry Schilling:** Thank you for having me. It’s an essential dialogue, and I appreciate the opportunity to discuss it.