Yesterday, House Representatives from Washington introduced a bill that, if passed, would outlaw gender-affirming care for minors in the state.
House Bill 1038’ description reads “Prohibiting puberty blocking medications, cross-sex hormones, and gender transition surgeries for minors.” HB 1038 was first read on January 13th before being referred to the Committee on Health and Wellness. If passed, a new section to chapter 18.130 would be added to the Revised Code of Washington that would make it illegal for healthcare workers to perform trans medical procedures on people under the age of 18 these include prescribing puberty blockers, hormone therapy, and performing surgeries that sterilize.
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Though I wish it wasn’t the case, we live in an age where transgender people are being attacked and this is but one of the ways we face constant ridicule towards our basic human rights. What this bill would do is deny trans children the right to live their own lives by forcibly imprisoning them in a body that isn’t their own. I feel as though it is the state’s responsibility to ensure the safety of our children, and I don’t see how throwing them to the wolves to the vicious hostility of bigoted adults is ensuring their safety.
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If you reside in the State of Washington then I urge you to fill out this form on and onSstep 3, select “oppose” and write in a message telling your local representative why it is you believe this bill should not be allowed to pass. Examples of messages to write in can be found here.
I know things may seem bleak in our government currently, but things will only get more hopeless if we continue to not get involved and ignore these issues. Don’t be compliant. Use your voice and advocate for change.
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