It’s “mutilation”: DeSantis will sign bill banning sex reassignment surgery for minors as the Florida legislature ends and his 2024 presidential announcement is expected “relatively soon,” he says
- The law, passed by Florida lawmakers Thursday, would ban physicians from administering medication to minors or performing state-funded “gender-affirming” medical procedures
- DeSantis has long been expected to announce whether he will run in the 2024 GOP primary after the Florida legislature ends
- He said, “You either have to give up or shut up” as far as entering the race is concerned
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is set to sign legislation banning underage sex reassignment surgeries as the state’s legislative session ends on Friday.
The law, passed by Florida lawmakers Thursday, would ban physicians from giving drugs to minors or performing state-funded “gender-affirming” medical procedures if they are under the age of 18.
“Honestly, seriously, some of this stuff is just completely fabricated. And when you talk to people — and I know people in your industry will dress it up with a euphemism — and they say it’s healthcare to cut off a 14 or 15-year-old’s private parts,” DeSantis said.
“It’s not healthcare. This is mutilation and we stand up against it,” DeSantis said on Friday — the last day of the state’s legislative session.
The governor has long been expected to officially announce his intention to run for president in 2024 after the end of the state’s legislative term, so an official announcement could be right around the corner.
Addressing speculation about his plans for 2024, he said on Friday: “What happens in the future? We’ll get into that fairly soon. You either have to do that or shut up. So we’ll see.’
“It’s not healthcare. This is mutilation,” DeSantis said on Friday — the final day of the state’s legislative session
Florida’s Republican supermajorities in the state legislature pushed many distinctive DeSantis priorities
On Friday, DeSantis appeared to be speaking to the “corporate media,” which he regularly criticizes for changing narrative on issues he feels they disagree with.
State Assemblyman Ralph Massullo, a Republican and co-sponsor of the bill, said children “need to get to a point where they can recognize their gender and accept themselves.”
Florida’s Republican supermajorities in the state legislature pushed many characteristic DeSantis priorities, including expanding a law that covers all public school students from kindergarten through 8th grade.
He also signed legislation banning abortions in the state after six weeks of pregnancy and allowing concealed carry throughout Florida.
The governor is also expected to sign legislation outlawing diversity, equity and inclusion in state colleges.
“Following a historic election cycle, we took the opportunity to deliver on our promises and deliver unprecedented results for Floridians this term,” DeSantis said Friday.
“We’ve achieved $2.7 billion in tax cuts and the Legislature has passed myriad legislative priorities that will improve the lives of Florida families. Thank you to the Legislature for such a productive session.’
Former President Donald Trump, who announced his re-election bid last November, has already spoken out against DeSantis — though he’s not officially in the running
It has been reported that DeSantis will announce his official presidential nomination after the end of the June legislature.
Former President Donald Trump, who announced his re-election bid last November, has already spoken out against DeSantis — though he’s not officially in the running.
Trump called on DeSantis not to run against him in 2024 because he’s not doing well in the polls, is dividing the Republican Party, and will lose “the treasured and massive” MAGA vote.
The ex-president has also called DeSantis “young” and hinted that he could have a brighter political future if he remains governor of Florida through the end of his second term in 2026.