Governor of Texas, Greg Abbott, recently enforced a new law regarding transgender youth. The law states that if you are a child (0-18) in Texas and have already switched your gender or are actively searching for a way to medically switch your gender, it is illegal. He said that condoning a gender swap is child abuse and should be held as a legal offense. This means that any adult that knows about it could face legal punishment. Abbott tasked people who work with children, this included medical professionals, teachers and any adult, to report if they know of anyone that is trasgender or is wanting to transition. 

Following along with that there is news regarding the LGBTQ+ community in Florida as well. On February 24, 2022, the “Don’t Say Gay or Trans” bill pased. This bill prevents teachers from talking about anything regarding the LGBTQ+ community and diminishes the protection for LGBTQ+ people. The bill is set to go into action on July 1, 2022. The governor of Florida, Ron DeSantis, has publicly said he supports the bill, but it’s still up for question whether or not he will sign it. 

LGBTQ+ activists in Florida expressed “that LGBTQ youth already face higher risk for bullying, depression, and suicide – and this bill will only add to the stigma that fuels these disparities.” Legislators against the bill stated that children identify themselves at a young age and should have a safe space to do so.

Sources:

https://www.hrc.org/press-releases/breaking-florida-house-of-representatives-passes-dont-say-gay-or-trans-bill

https://www.nbcnews.com/nbc-out/out-politics-and-policy/texas-governor-calls-citizens-report-parents-transgender-kids-abuse-rcna17455

https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/dont-gay-bill-passes-florida-senate/story?id=83301889

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