Tennessee Senate Passes Bill Making It a Felony to Aid Minors in Gender Transition Procedures
Tennessee lawmakers in the state’s Senate recently passed a bill that would criminalize adults who aid minors in seeking gender transition procedures. The bill, sponsored by Republican State Sen. Janice Bowling, penalizes adults who recruit, harbor, or transport unemancipated minors for the purpose of enabling them to identify with a gender inconsistent with their sex. Violators could face three to 15 years in prison and fines up to $10,000, with civil liability also possible.
The bill is similar to another passed by the Senate regarding minors obtaining abortions without parental consent. Tennessee Democrats opposed both bills, raising concerns about constitutional rights. However, supporters argue that the legislation is necessary to protect parental rights in cases where relationships may not be healthy.
If signed into law, Tennessee would become the first state to apply penalties specifically related to gender-transition procedures. Meanwhile, Maine is considering a bill that would establish the state as a sanctuary for abortions and transgender surgical procedures, drawing criticism from Republican attorneys general.
The GOP-led House is expected to support the bill, which has sparked debate over parental rights, constitutional protections, and the well-being of minors in Tennessee. The outcome of this legislation could shape the landscape of gender-related procedures and treatments for minors in the state.
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