Michigan is the latest state seeking to criminalize gender-affirming care for young people.State Rep. Ryan Berman, the same legislator seeking to ban drag shows in schools — not that any Michigan school has been known to host a drag show — introduced a bill Tuesday under which parents and guardians would be charged with felony child abuse if they allow their children to undergo gender-confirmation procedures.
Medical professionals who provide the care would be charged as well. Conviction would come with a maximum penalty of life in prison.The legislation, House Bill 6454, was introduced on National Coming Out Day.
Berman, a Republican, was joined by four lead cosponsors, also Republicans: Beau LaFave, Steve Carra, Steve Marino, and Luke Meerman.“People are abusing these children,” LaFave told The Hill. “The idea that we would be making potentially life-altering changes to 11-, 12-, 13-, 14-, 15-year-old kids when it is illegal for them to have sex is insane.
I mean, they’re not responsible enough to smoke a cigarette until they’re 21.”Care given to transgender youth usually consists of puberty blockers and hormones; the effects of puberty blockers are entirely reversible, as are most of the effects of hormones.