Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon signed a “Help Not Harm” bill prohibiting physicians from providing children and adolescents with experimental transgender medical interventions.
The bill (SF 0099) is named “Chloe’s Law.” It allow for the revocation or suspension of the license of a doctor who provides minors with puberty blocking drugs, opposite-sex hormones and surgeries as a part of a “gender transition” plan.
The legislation is named after Chloe Cole, a young woman whose body was damaged by transgender medical interventions, who provided testimony in favor of the bill in front of the Wyoming Senate Labor, Heath & Social Services Committee.
SF 0099 passed overwhelmingly in the Wyoming Senate in a vote of 26-5 on Feb. 27. On Mar. 4, it passed through the Wyoming House by a wide 55-6 margin.
Gov. Gordon signed the bill into law on Mar. 22.
Despite signing the bill, the governor gave only a halfhearted statement supporting the legislation.
“I signed SF99 because I support the protections this bill includes for children, however it is my belief that the government is straying into the personal affairs of families” Governor Gordon said.
“Our legislature needs to sort out its intentions with regard to parental rights. While it inserts governmental prerogative in some places, it affirms parental rights in others.”
Of course, there are some things that parents should not have the right to do to their children. That includes providing them with permanent, damaging, and sterilizing puberty blockers, opposite-sex hormones, and surgeries.
For that reason, SF 0099 is the right bill for the right time – though it’s unfortunate it’s needed at all.
The Wyoming Family Alliance, a Focus on the Family-allied state family policy counsel, previously announced its support of the legislation.
“Wyoming Family Alliance supports legislation that eliminates surgeries in Wyoming that will cause children irreparable damage,” the organization said. “This bill allows for the revocation or suspension of the license of a doctor who would perform these procedures.”
Now, at least 21 states have enacted “Help Not Harm” bills protecting children from gender ideology. And at least two more – Kansas and South Carolina – have similar bills that are in the works.
Please pray these states will enact this important legislation. And consider getting involved with your state’s family policy council to enact positive change and help protect children.
Focus on the Family exists to help families, and that includes help navigating the issues of homosexuality and transgenderism. Focus offers a free, one-time counseling consultation with a licensed or pastoral counselor. To request a counseling consultation, call 1-855-771-HELP (4357) or fill out our Counseling Consultation Request Form.
Related articles and resources:
Counseling Consultation & Referrals
Addressing Gender Identity with Honesty and Compassion
The Journey Back to My True Identity
Transgenderism and Minors: What Does the Research Really Show?
Do Not Fall for the ‘Affirm Them or They Will Die’ Lie
How to Defeat Gender Ideology, Protect Children and End ‘Trans America’
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