Houma Senator Mike Fesi decides not to move forward with his bill to require a juvenile to get written consent from both parents to receive gender therapy. Advocates, health professionals, and transgender individuals like this LSU student testified against it.
“We are told we are somehow unworthy, we are told we are sick and not worth investing into to, we are often denied housing and employment, we also do not need to be denied care.”
Senate Health Chairman Fred Mills says he received 400 cards in opposition to the legislation, which would have prevented minors from receiving counseling, hormone treatments or gender-related surgeries if they didn’t have both parents’ consent.
Melissa Flournoy, with Louisiana Progress Action, spoke against the bill.
“What are the unintended consequences of this legislation, it’s unnecessary involvement of state government in the private affairs of families,” said Flournoy.
Fesi says his intention is not to hurt children. He was trying to make sure parents are involved in the process of gender transition.
“I never wanted to stop anybody from getting any medical condition, it was all about to make sure the parents were involved with their children and not having things going on behind their back,” said Fesi.
Comments