Utah Gov. signed. Spencer Cox bill on Saturday banning gender confirmation surgery on minors who have not been diagnosed with gender dysphoria.
The state’s Republican Legislature made the ban a priority and considered the first draft of the measure less than 10 days ago, two days after the Legislature opened this year’s session on Jan. 17. Gov. signed. Cox it a day after the Legislature sent it to his. desk.
FILE: Utah Gov. Spencer Cox speaks during an interview at the Utah State Capitol on March 4, 2022, in Salt Lake City.
(AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, File)
The governor said it was important to “pause these permanent and life-changing treatments for new patients until better and better research can help determine the long-term effects.”
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“While we understand that our words will be of little comfort to those who disagree with us, we sincerely hope that we can treat our transgender families with more love and respect as we work towards the science and consequences behind it better understand these procedures,” he said.
Among the critics is the ACLU of Utah, which urged Cox on Friday to veto the bill.
In a letter to Cox, the civil rights organization said it was deeply concerned about “the harmful and devastating effects this law could have on people’s lives and medical care and the serious violations of the constitutional rights of people who will lead to it.
“By ending a medical treatment supported by every major medical association in the United States, the bill endangers the health and well-being of youth with gender dysphoria. It ties the hands of doctors and parents through access to the only treatment restricting evidence-based care available for this serious medical condition and hindering their ability to fulfill their professional obligations,” the letter said.
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The bill’s sponsor, Senator Mike Kennedy, a Republican family physician, said the overnight government is necessary for a critical health care policy related to gender and youth.
People gather to support transgender youth during a rally at the Utah State Capitol Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2023, in Salt Lake City.
(AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
“Legislation that affects our most vulnerable youth needs careful consideration and consideration. While not a perfect bill, we are grateful for Sen. Kennedy’s newer and more thoughtful approach to this terribly divisive issue, ” Cox said in a statement.
“More and more experts, states and countries around the world are putting these permanent and life-changing treatments on hold for new patients until better and better research can help determine the long-term consequences.”
Utah’s bill comes as lawmakers in at least 18 states are considering similar bills aimed at health care for transgender youth.
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Cox also signed another measure that would provide school-choice-style scholarships for students to attend schools outside the public education system. The bill also increased teacher pay and benefits in an effort to alleviate the state’s teacher shortage.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
