Utah governor signs ban on gender-affirming health care and school choice laws

Utah Governor Spencer Cox on Saturday signed into law a bill banning gender-affirming surgery on minors who have not been diagnosed with gender dysphoria.

The state’s Republican-dominated legislature prioritized the ban and considered a first draft of the measure less than 10 days ago, two days after the legislature opened this year’s session on Jan. 17. Governor Cox signed it the day after the legislature sent it to his desk.

The governor said it was important to stop “these permanent and life-altering treatments for new patients until more and better research can help determine the long-term consequences.”

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“While we understand that our words will be of little comfort to those who disagree with us, we sincerely hope that we can treat our transgender families with greater love and respect as we work to better understand the science and consequences behind these procedures,” he said. .

Among the critics is the ACLU of Utah, which on Friday urged Cox to veto the bill.

In a letter to Cox, the civil rights organization said it was deeply concerned about “the harmful and potentially catastrophic effects this law will have on people’s lives and health care and the serious violations of people’s constitutional rights that it will cause.

“By discontinuing medical treatment supported by all of America’s major medical associations, the bill jeopardizes the health and well-being of gender dysphoric teens. It ties the hands of doctors and parents by restricting access to the only evidence-based treatment. available for this serious medical condition and impedes your ability to fulfill your professional obligations,” the letter said.

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The bill’s sponsor, State Senator Mike Kennedy, a Republican family physician, said overnight government is necessary for vital health policies related to gender and youth.

“Legislation that impacts our most vulnerable youth requires careful consideration and deliberation. While not a perfect bill, we are grateful for Senator Kennedy’s more nuanced and thoughtful approach to this terribly divisive issue,” Cox said in a statement.

“More and more experts, states and countries around the world are pausing these permanent and life-altering treatments for new patients until more and better research can help determine the long-term consequences.”

Utah’s bill comes as lawmakers in at least 18 states consider similar bills targeting health care for transgender youth.

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Cox also signed another measure that would give students school-choice-style scholarships to attend schools outside the public education system. The bill also increased teacher pay and benefits in an effort to ease the state’s teacher shortage.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.