Southern States Push Controversial Bills Affecting Transgender Rights

A bill that would ban healthcare professionals from giving hormones or performing surgeries on transgender minors has passed the Georgia House Public Health Committee. The bill aims to make transgender youth wait until they turn 18 to take hormonal or surgical steps toward gender transition. Democratic lawmakers opposed the bill, citing the best practices of care for transgender youth outlined by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Critics of the bill say children with gender dysphoria have higher rates of suicide attempts.