We are disappointed to see the passage of S.B.16. As House Democrats, we stand with transgender youth, their families, and their doctors as they navigate the passage of this bill and work to get the medical care that they need. The Legislature should not be making a person’s medical decisions for them. This bill is a misguided step by our legislature and a violation of parents’ rights.
We recognize that gender-affirming healthcare is life-saving, patient-centered healthcare. We were honored to have heard from our transgender youth and their family, friends, colleagues, classmates, and all those in their lives who love them. Thank you for sharing your stories with us, and affirming the fact that access to gender-affirming healthcare is necessary and crucial.
With no pathway forward for children in need of care, this legislation will inevitably lead to litigation and a likely injunction. This is a tremendous waste of taxpayer money, and worse, a terrible message for our Legislature to send to transgender Utahns, their family, and friends.
To the transgender youth of Utah, we will not stop fighting for your rights. We see you, we hear you, and we love you. We stand with you and your loved ones and will continue to represent and advocate for you.
