Republican North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgham on Wednesday signed into law a veto bill banning gender-affirming health care for transgender youth. and immediately criminalize giving gender-affirming care to people under the age of 18.
PBS Newshour reported The new law will take effect immediately, allowing prosecutors to bring felony charges against health care providers who perform gender reassignment surgery on minors.
Prosecutors can also charge the provider with a misdemeanor for giving a transgender child a gender-confirming drug, such as a puberty blocker.
The governor’s office issued a statement on Thursday, saying the law is “intended to protect children from the life-altering effects of gender reassignment surgery,” but the statement said medical experts believe these surgeries are legal in the state. He also mentioned that he had testified that it had not been done.
“Going forward, thoughtful debates about these complex health policies must show compassion and understanding for all North Dakota youth and their families.
The law continues to allow drug therapy for precocious puberty and other rare conditions with parental consent, and minors currently receiving gender-affirming care will continue to receive treatment. You will not be forced to unmigrate.
In a statement, the American Civil Liberties Union of North Dakota, which opposed HB 1254, said the bill was a government overreach that undermined the fundamental rights of parents and that by explicitly banning gender-affirming care, equal protection would not be possible. said it had violated its constitutional guarantees. and due process.
“By signing this bill into law, Gov. Burgham has left to the government important decisions that were previously limited to parents in North Dakota. It doesn’t stop you from being transgender, but it does deny transgender youth the vital support that will help them grow up and become transgender adults.
“Governor. Burgum and House Bill 1254 supporters have chosen terrorism, false representation, intimidation and extremist politics over family rights and the lives of transgender youth in North Dakota. , this fight is not over yet and we are determined to build a future where North Dakota is a safe place to raise every child. It is up to each of us to confront their fears and ignorance and surround these young people with strength, safety and love as they continue to do so.”
North Dakota is now the 14th state to enact legislation restricting or banning gender-affirming care for minors.
