Latest news with #Bill185
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Bills targeting transgender medical care continue to move through the Legislature
Opponents of legislation that would place restrictions on transgender Georgians gathered across from the state Capitol in January. Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder As the 2025 legislative session comes to a close, transgender Georgians continue to be relentlessly targeted by state legislators, including with Senate Bill 30, Senate Bill 39, and Senate Bill 185, all of which would restrict access to evidence-based medical care. Despite opposition from medical, mental health, and legal experts, the Georgia Senate passed these bills, handing them off to the House for consideration. SB 39, a vaguely worded and wide-ranging bill, inserts lawmakers directly into the patient provider relationship. It would prevent access to any health care deemed 'transition related' for more than half a million state employees and their dependents who rely on the State Health Benefit Plan, as well as others who receive care that is state funded. The breadth of its impact regarding state associated funding is unclear, and perhaps that is the point, allowing its sweeping prohibition to be as widely applicable as possible. Likewise, what qualifies as 'transition-related' care is similarly unclear, risking the restriction of funds for a wide range of medical care. At a House Health Committee hearing on March 26, when questioned about whether SB 39 would prevent access to mental health care, Sen. Blake Tillery, the bill's sponsor, stated 'If not aligned with one's sex at birth, then I think yes.' To push through the myriad of anti-transgender legislation prior to the end of the session, SB 39 has adopted language from SB 185, a bill that specifically prohibits gender-affirming care for transgender adults who are incarcerated in Georgia, including medications that were previously prescribed by their medical provider. To protect the health of transgender individuals, we must prevent these bills becoming law. As medical and mental health providers, we believe all patients deserve access to high quality, evidence-based medical care. For many transgender people, gender-affirming care is essential and lifesaving. Numerous studies demonstrate the indisputable benefits of gender-affirming care for transgender patients, including reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression, less psychological distress, lower risk of suicidal thoughts, and better interpersonal relationships. Every major medical and psychological association in the U.S., including the American Medical Association, the Endocrine Society, the American Psychiatric Association and the American Psychological Association, among others, recognize the evidence basis supporting the medical and psychological necessity of gender-affirming care. These bills inappropriately insert legislators into medical decision making, infringing on the rights and well-being of transgender patients. Taking away individuals' access to gender-affirming therapies while in prison constitutes cruel and unusual punishment and increases the likelihood of abuse and detrimental health consequences. Abrupt cessation or forced weaning of medically necessary, ongoing treatment is a health risk. Physical effects of hormone withdrawal are accompanied by psychological distress, which may manifest as anxiety, depression, and suicidality. These bills risk the forced detransition of individuals who may have consistently taken gender-affirming hormone therapy for years. This physically and psychologically damaging experience is unnecessary and profoundly harmful. Transgender people often endure significant discrimination, economic insecurity and, in some cases, homelessness. These vulnerabilities make it more likely that transgender individuals will face criminalization and incarceration. Within the criminal legal system, transgender people experience further marginalization and discrimination. It is common for transgender individuals to be dangerously and illegally placed in prison facilities misaligned with their gender, increasing risk of harassment and violence. They are also less likely to receive necessary services, including personal care items and essential medical care. At least one in three transgender people in prisons and jails have reported being sexually assaulted. The danger is much greater for transgender females, with almost 50% reporting harassment, physical violence, or sexual assault while incarcerated. These statistics are likely an underestimate as some prison staff facilitate and perpetuate violence towards transgender individuals, making it dangerous to report abuse. Often, the only 'protection' offered is solitary confinement, which exacerbates stigma and may result in serious mental health consequences. The U.S. Department of Justice has determined that Georgia's prisons fail to reasonably protect incarcerated people from harm, violating their constitutional rights. SB 185 would prohibit the state from funding medically necessary gender-affirming therapies, including hormone therapy, for transgender people who are incarcerated. All people who are incarcerated in Georgia have a right to medically necessary care, not only those deemed deserving by state politicians. Multiple lawsuits brought against the Georgia Department of Corrections as well as departments in several other states have resulted in courts ruling that transgender individuals who are incarcerated have a right to access gender-affirming care. Prior discrimination lawsuits involving transgender people in Georgia have cost taxpayers more than $4 million since 2015, including cases brought by transgender people who were unable to access medical care while incarcerated. SB 39 and SB 185 run counter to established precedent and medical expertise. This would not only worsen the health of transgender individuals in Georgia but also continue a track record of costly litigation paid for with taxpayer dollars. The bills are dangerous and discriminatory and create new problems for the state while addressing none. By dismissing medical expertise and interfering with the patient-physician relationship, the Georgia Legislature once again seeks to make Georgians' health decisions for them. Lawmakers should devote their time and the state's resources to improving healthcare gaps currently impacting millions in our state. This legislation targets the rights and wellbeing of transgender people, who are made vulnerable by widespread societal stigmatization. Under the guise of fiscal responsibility, this paternalistic legislation seeks to politicize medical care at the expense of a marginalized patient population. It is incumbent upon all Georgians who respect a patient's right to make their own medical decisions with their physician and oppose state sanctioned discrimination against minoritized groups, to contact our state legislators and urge them to oppose any legislative efforts to harm transgender Georgians. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
11-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Forum Campus Suites Breaks Ground on QUAD Phase 3: Adding More Housing for York University Students
TORONTO, ON / / February 11, 2025 / Forum Asset Management (Forum) and Campus Suites proudly announces the groundbreaking of QUAD Phase 3, the latest phase of its on-campus purpose-built student accommodations (PBSA) at York University. Developed in collaboration with York University Development Corporation (YUDC), this project builds on the success of QUAD Phases 1 and 2, which have already provided over 1,500 institutional quality beds for students at York's Keele Campus. QUAD Phase 3 marks a significant step forward in addressing the urgent need for student housing at York University, introducing 841 additional beds across two, eight-storey buildings. The project is slated for completion by the 2026/2027 academic year, further enhancing York's ability to support its growing community of students. This development is a milestone under Ontario's Bill 185, Cutting Red Tape to Build More Homes Act, enacted in June 2024. QUAD Phase 3 is the first student housing project in Ontario to break ground under this expedited framework, showcasing the province's commitment to addressing the housing crisis through innovative policy. "QUAD Phase 3 builds on the proven success of the previous phases and demonstrates the strength of our partnership with York University Development Corporation and York University. We are committed to delivering purpose-built student housing that enhances the campus experience and provides students with the resources they need to thrive", says Aly Damji, Managing Partner of Forum Asset Management. "We are thrilled to celebrate the groundbreaking of QUAD Phase 3, a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation," said Henry Morton, President of Campus Suites, "This project is an incredible opportunity to meet the growing demand for student housing while creating a community-focused environment that supports academic success and student well-being, further enhancing York's offerings by proving best-in-class housing and amenities." The success of this initiative is the result of strong partnerships between Forum and Campus Suites, YUDC, York University, the Province of Ontario, and the City of Toronto. These relationships have been instrumental in navigating the new approval process efficiently, ensuring the timely delivery of this much-needed housing. "At York University, we are committed to working with valued partners to ensure that our students have access to the housing they need, where they need it," says Rhonda Lenton, York University President and Vice-Chancellor. "I am confident that when QUAD Phase 3 opens, it will play an important role in helping us offer accessible options that meet the needs of our diverse student population in a connected environment that supports their success". "I am proud for us to celebrate this important milestone," says Salima Rawji, President & CEO, York University Development Corporation. "The groundbreaking of Quad 3 not only represents us strengthening our academic mission but also showcases the power of sector partnerships and forward-thinking strategies that drive long-term success for the University and our future generations. QUAD Phase 3 exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to student housing, incorporating modern design and amenities tailored to the needs of students and a leader in fostering community, innovation, and academic excellence. Learn more here: Quad - Student Residences - York University Housing About Forum Asset Management Forum is an investor, developer and asset manager operating across North America for over 28 years, focusing on real estate, private equity and infrastructure, with a strategic concentration in housing. We are committed to sustainability, responsible investing and creating value that benefits our stakeholders and the communities in which we invest, what we call our Extraordinary Outcomes™. For more information about Forum Asset Management, please visit: About Campus Suites Campus Suites is a multi-generational family business that is a developer, owner, property and asset manager of student-oriented housing based in Toronto. It has previously developed, co-developed, or is developing almost 19,000 student housing and conventional bedroom units previously throughout the United States and, since 2012, exclusively in Canada. Total developments have a value of over $2.0 billion covering over eight million of residential, retail and commercial space. For more information about Campus Suites, please visit: About York University Development Corporation York University Development Corporation (YUDC) incorporated in 1985 delivers real estate and development expertise to advance York University's academic mission. Guided by an independent Board of Directors, YUDC leverages specialized expertise in land use planning, real estate development and finance, land lease transactions, commercial asset management and capital project execution. With a focus on the University's long-term growth and success, YUDC plans and executes projects that are strategic, collaborative, financially sound and that contribute meaningfully to the York University community. About York University York University is a modern, multi-campus, urban university located in Toronto, Ontario. Backed by a diverse group of students, faculty, staff, alumni and partners, we bring a uniquely global perspective to help solve societal challenges, drive positive change and prepare our students for success. York's fully bilingual Glendon Campus is home to Southern Ontario's Centre of Excellence for French Language and Bilingual Postsecondary Education. York's campuses in Costa Rica and India offer students exceptional transnational learning opportunities and innovative programs. Together, we can make things right for our communities, our planet, and our future. For more information about QUAD Phase 3, Forum Asset Management or Campus Suites please contact: Contact:Henry Morton, Campus SuitesEmail: henry@ Sydney MacDougall, Forum Asset ManagementEmail: sydneym@ For more information about York University Development Corporation, please contact:Natalie Pastuszak, YUDC SpokespersonEmail: natalie@ 647-417-7271 For media contact for York University, please contact:Sandra McLean, York University Media RelationsPhone: 416-272-6317Email: sandramc@ SOURCE: Forum Asset Management View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire Sign in to access your portfolio
