Legislature's cruel attacks on transgender rights will endanger lives
Why are so many conservative politicians obsessed with denying the existence of transgender people? Several years ago, it was the infamous bathroom bill that sought to micromanage the public restrooms trans people used.
Now, the same forces are at it again with bills targeting transgender youth. Under legislation approved by the state House last week, charges of abuse and neglect against parents who refuse to acknowledge their child's gender identity would be barred.
Supporters say the bill is about validating parental rights, but if that's so, why did they defeat an amendment that would protected parents who acknowledge and support their transgender kids?
After all, some politicians have promoted attacks of precisely this kind on parents who love and celebrate their trans children.
The bottom line: Gender dysphoria is a long-established medical condition for which gender transition frequently amounts to lifesaving care. By denying this reality, lawmakers are assuring that some young people will be denied care and that their lives will be cruelly and needlessly endangered.
For NC Newsline, I'm Rob Schofield.
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