Missouri passes controversial legislation restricting transgender rights.

The Missouri House of Representatives has approved a four-year ban on puberty blockers and hormone therapy for transgender minors, as well as legislation requiring athletes to compete on sports teams aligned with their sex assigned at birth. The measures now await the signature of Governor Mike Parson, who is expected to sign them into law. The legislation is less restrictive than an earlier bill, but opponents fear it is just the beginning of further restrictions on transgender rights. The move follows similar legislation in other red states, including Arkansas, Kentucky, and Oklahoma.