Bill to Protect Minors from Gender Transition Procedures Passes in Senate

On Tuesday, the Florida Senate voted to pass SB 254 (Yarborough), a bill that would prohibit physicians from performing gender transition procedures on minors and require physicians to obtain informed written consent before performing such procedures on adults. The legislation would require that a physician’s license be revoked if he or she violates any of the sections of the bill.

"As lawmakers, we do have to draw the line when drastic life-altering treatments and surgeries are being prescribed for children, sometimes very young children," said bill sponsor Senator Clay Yarborough during his closing statement. "I believe we need to let kids be kids and our laws need to set appropriate boundaries to respect the rights and responsibilities of parents, while protecting children from the very serious health and safety concerns associated with these treatments." 

SB 254 was approved by a 27-12 vote. The companion bill HB 1421 (Fine) is on second reading in the House.