Tennessee lawmakers in the state’s Senate passed a bill on Thursday that would make it a felony for adults to aid minors in seeking gender transition procedures. The bill, sponsored by Republican State Sen. Janice Bowling, would penalize adults who recruit, harbor, or transport unemancipated minors for the purpose of receiving medical procedures related to gender identity. Those who break the law could face prison time of three to 15 years and fines of up to $10,000. The bill also allows for civil action to be taken against those who violate it.
The legislation is similar to another bill that the Senate passed on the same day, which would create penalties for adults who help minors obtain abortions without parental consent. Tennessee Democrats opposed both bills, arguing that they restrict conversations and violate constitutional rights. Democratic State Sen. Jeff Yarbro expressed concerns over regulating conversations between individuals. However, supporters of the bill believe it is important to protect parental rights while acknowledging cases where relationships may not be healthy for children dealing with gender dysphoria.
Idaho is currently the only other state in the U.S. that has a law to crack down on adults who assist in facilitating abortions for minors. If passed, Tennessee would become the first state to apply penalties specifically to adults involved in gender-transition procedures and treatments for minors. The bill now heads to the GOP-led House, where it is expected to receive additional Republican support. Republican attorneys general have raised concerns about a bill in Maine that would establish the state as a sanctuary for abortions and gender transition surgeries for minors, labeling it as “totalitarian” and warning against its implications.
State Sen. Janice Bowling refrained from debating about the bill on the Senate floor and instead read portions of the text when asked for clarification. Democratic State Sen. Heidi Campbell argued that children experiencing gender dysphoria often rely on their parents for support, but acknowledged that there are situations where relationships may not be healthy. The bill aims to address concerns around influencing minors in decisions related to gender identity and provides consequences for adults who assist in these processes without parental consent.
The bill in Tennessee aims to protect minors from undergoing gender transition procedures without proper consent and guidance. It raises questions about the balance between parental rights and the well-being of children experiencing gender dysphoria. Critics argue that the legislation restricts freedom of speech and violates constitutional rights, while supporters believe it is necessary to address potential harm to minors. The bill’s passage in the Senate sets the stage for further debate and potential approval in the GOP-led House, where it is anticipated to garner additional support from Republican lawmakers.
