2023-05-02 12:50:51
The US state of Montana passed legislation last Friday that bans sex reassignment treatments for minors. Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte signed the law into law after writing to state lawmakers, according to the AP: “I share your deep commitment to protecting children in Montana from invasive medical treatments that permanently damage their healthy, developing bodies can change.”
Exception: verifiable disturbance of sexual development
In the letter, Gianforte said he had met with transgender youth and adults. He understands their struggles are real and he sympathizes with them. However, “treatments with hormones or surgery” should wait “until they are adults” because the science surrounding puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones and surgical procedures “is unclear and evolving.” The law will come into force on October 1.
The text of the law prohibits surgery and the administration of testosterone or estrogen to adolescents except in cases where there is a “medically proven sexual development disorder”. In addition, violations are subject to disciplinary measures and even a ban on practicing medicine for up to one year.
The case has drawn particular attention because the governor’s son, David Gianforte, has identified himself as a non-binary homosexual. However, the governor emphasized that the rule “protects Montana’s minors from permanent, life-changing medical procedures.”
According to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), fifteen US states have already banned or restricted so-called gender reassignment treatments by law. These measures are designed to prevent young people from making irreversible decisions that they may later regret. DT/jg
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