Proposed new law increases likelihood of both female genital mutilation and suicides among trans youth, experts warn.
In December last year, the US House of Representatives passed the “Protect Children's Innocence Act”, a bill introduced by Republican representative Marjorie Taylor-Greene.
In December last year, the US House of Representatives passed the “Protect Children's Innocence Act”, a bill introduced by Republican representative Marjorie Taylor-Greene.
If the title of the bill sounds Orwellian, it is because it is. A close reading of H.R.3492, as the bill is also known, indicates the proposed legislation wilfully conflates gender-affirming healthcare for young trans people with the harmful and outlawed practice of female genital mutilation and cutting (FGM-C).
If passed, experts told openDemocracy, the legislation will increase suffering among two vulnerable groups: women and girls at risk of an extreme form of gender violence and trans young people, who are already more likely to experience suicidal thoughts and attempts than their cisgender peers.
Under the bill, medical staff providing such care can be punished with up to 10 years in prison. Parents will be charged only in cases relating to FGM-C, not gender-affirming care for trans youth.
The bill was passed 216 votes to 211 on 17 December, mostly on party lines, although three Democrats voted in favour and four Republicans voted against.
If passed, experts told openDemocracy, the legislation will increase suffering among two vulnerable groups: women and girls at risk of an extreme form of gender violence and trans young people, who are already more likely to experience suicidal thoughts and attempts than their cisgender peers.
Under the bill, medical staff providing such care can be punished with up to 10 years in prison. Parents will be charged only in cases relating to FGM-C, not gender-affirming care for trans youth.
The bill was passed 216 votes to 211 on 17 December, mostly on party lines, although three Democrats voted in favour and four Republicans voted against.
Continue @ Open Democracy.
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