President Joe Biden tore up Texas’ “cynical and dangerous” plan to investigate the parents of transgender children are looking sex confirming medical treatments, stating that this was tantamount to “arming the child protection services against loving families”.
“This is the government’s worst overload,” Biden said in a statement Wednesday night, telling Texas. republican Governor Greg Abbott’s directive came “just to win political points.”
Abbott was in the Republican primary on Tuesday – and successfully won his race against a number of contenders from his political right.
“Today, the Department of Health and Human Services announced several actions to preserve the safety of transgender children in Texas and their families – informing the state of Texas that their discriminatory actions endanger the lives of children,” he said.
Abbott’s plan – sparked by LGBTQ activists – has already run into a legal hurdle, with a Texas judge on Wednesday issuing a temporary injunction suspending an investigation by the Department of Family and Protection Services against the parents of a 16-year-old girl undergoing confirmation treatment. on the floor.
President Joe Biden breaks Texas ‘cynical and dangerous’ plan to investigate parents of transgender children seeking gender-sensitive treatment
Democratic Judge Amy Clark Mitchham’s order has only reached this point and does not extend to other investigations that Texas may begin.
Earlier Wednesday, HHS Secretary Xavier Besera announced that the agency was releasing guidelines for state child protection systems that made it clear that these government agencies should be used “to promote safety and support for LGBTQI + youth, which is important. include access to gender-based care ‘.
HHS has also issued guidelines on patient confidentiality, which make it clear that healthcare providers are not required to disclose gender-sensitive care information to public authorities.
The Federal Agency also clarified that patients cannot be denied health care based on their gender identity.
Besera said he had ordered the HHS to explore other ways the federal agency could protect transgender children and their families.
“These reports make it clear that instead of arming child protection services against loving families, child protection agencies need to expand access to care for transgender children who are gender-sensitive,” Biden continued.
The president said respected medical organizations say access to gender-sensitive care for transgender youth can have mental health benefits, reduce suicide rates and improve other health outcomes.
Protesters gather in front of the Texas capital, Austin, on Tuesday to protest Republican Gov. Greg Abbott’s directive to state health agencies to investigate transgender youth sex care as violence against children
A demonstrator raises a sign reading “Being trans is not violence against children” as activists gather in front of the Texas capital, Austin, for Republican Gov. Greg Abbott’s initiative against trance.
“Children, their parents and their doctors should have the freedom to make the medical decisions that are best for every young person – without being hindered by politicians,” Biden said.
“In the United States, we respect the rights and dignity of all families,” he added. “Transsexual children bring satisfaction to their parents, joy to their friends, and are created in the image of God.”
“Confirming the identity of a transgender child is one of the best things a parent, teacher or doctor can do to protect children from harm, and parents who love and affirm their children should be applauded and supported, and not threatened, investigated or stigmatized, “the president continued.
The president also drew attention to remarks he made in support of transgender Americans during a speech on the state of the Union on Tuesday night.
“Jill and I are with incredibly brave transgender children, their parents and families in Texas and across the country, and we will continue to fight for a future in which all children can thrive,” Biden added.
On Tuesday, Biden called on lawmakers in the State of the Union audience to “finally” pass the Equality Act.
The Equality Act – which federalized the protection of LGBTQ people by adding them to the Civil Rights Act of 1964 – was passed by the House of Representatives last February, but the bill was not relinquished by the Senate Judiciary Committee.
It is unlikely to pass the Senate 50-50 without the reform of the filibuster.
“The attack on state laws targeting transgender Americans and their families is wrong,” he said. “As I said last year, especially to our younger transgender Americans, I will always keep my back to you as your president so that you can be yourself and reach your God-given potential.”
Alabama lawmakers are pursuing a bill similar to what Abbott announced in Texas – using government child protection officials to launch investigations into families where a child receives gender-based care.
Earlier this month, South Dakota Republican Gov. Christie Noem signed a bill that would ban trance youth from participating in school sports with students of the same sex.
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, who gave a Republican response Tuesday to Biden’s speech, said she supported similar legislation, which is currently passing through the Iowa legislature.
In Florida, the state legislature is discussing what is called the Don’t Say Gay bill, which would ban teachers from discussing LGBTQ people.
At a conference on conservative political action in Orlando, Florida last weekend, a number of Republican politicians raised the issue of trans women participating in women’s sports.
Former President Donald Trump said liberals “teach four-year-olds to choose their own gender.”
“And they say it’s absolutely good for the boys to take part in women’s sports,” he told booers in the crowd.
Biden’s move was applauded by the LGBTQ Group, the Human Rights Campaign.
“The president’s call for action could not have come more urgently, as state legislators across the country are increasingly imposing discriminatory measures that seek to bring us back as a nation by shamelessly attacking transgender youth,” the statement said. HRC interim president Johnny Madison said.
“We welcome the President’s commitment to stand behind trans youth and the HRC stands in solidarity with the President, promising to continue to fight against harmful, discriminatory attacks on trans children and families who deserve to be supported rather than attacked by our elected officials. leaders, Madison continued. “The president’s message tonight is one that needs to be spread across the country, especially among young transgender people.”