Montana has recently joined other states in implementing bans or restrictions on gender-affirming medical care for transgender youth. This decision came after Republican Governor Greg Gianforte signed the relevant legislation, which transgender lawmaker Zooey Zephyr vehemently opposed, claiming it would result in 'blood' on the hands of her fellow lawmakers. Montana is now one of at least 15 states to have enforced such legislation, in spite of objections from the families of transgender children who argue that this medical care is vital.

Montana's bill has attracted national scrutiny as Republicans penalized Zephyr for her outspoken comments. They considered her words to be personally offensive, which led House Speaker Matt Regier to deny her permission to speak in the House until an apology was issued. However, Zephyr has refused to apologize. Protesting the bill's signing, Zephyr declared, 'It is unconscionable to deprive Montanans of the care that we need.'

Zephyr maintains a strong belief in the unconstitutionality of the bill, arguing that it is both cruel and unconstitutional. She anticipates the courts will invalidate the legislation. Addressing transgender youth, Zephyr assured them that victory is in sight and encouraged them to rely on their community for support through these tumultuous times.

Zephyr stood her ground on the House floor earlier this week, her microphone held high while protestors chanted 'Let her speak.' These disruptions halted House proceedings for around 30 minutes. Following this, the House banned Zephyr from the area and its gallery, resulting in her voting on bills from a bench in the hallway outside the House.

Lambda Legal, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), and the ACLU of Montana have stated their intention to challenge the ban in court. The ban is scheduled to take effect on October 1, giving Montana youth just five months to seek alternatives to work around the ban or transition off of hormone treatment.

According to the Montana Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the new bill is 'an overly broad blanket ban that takes decisions that should be made by families and physicians and puts them in the hands of politicians.' Governor Gianforte demonstrated his support for the bill on April 17 when he proposed amendments clarifying that public funds could not be used for hormone blockers, cross-sex hormones, or surgical procedures.

Gianforte later wrote in a letter that the bill 'protects Montana children from permanent, life-altering medical procedures until they are adults, mature enough to make such serious decisions.' However, Zephyr held her fellow lawmakers accountable for the decisions they made regarding the bill during the following day's debate on the amendments.

Montana has recently joined other states in implementing bans or restrictions on gender-affirming medical care for transgender youth. This decision came after Republican Governor Greg Gianforte signed the relevant legislation, which transgender lawmaker Zooey Zephyr vehemently opposed, claiming it would result in 'blood' on the hands of her fellow lawmakers. Montana is now one of at least 15 states to have enforced such legislation, in spite of objections from the families of transgender children who argue that this medical care is vital.
Montana's bill has attracted national scrutiny as Republicans penalized Zephyr for her outspoken comments. They considered her words to be personally offensive, which led House Speaker Matt Regier to deny her permission to speak in the House until an apology was issued. However, Zephyr has refused to apologize. Protesting the bill's signing, Zephyr declared, 'It is unconscionable to deprive Montanans of the care that we need.'
Zephyr maintains a strong belief in the unconstitutionality of the bill, arguing that it is both cruel and unconstitutional. She anticipates the courts will invalidate the legislation. Addressing transgender youth, Zephyr assured them that victory is in sight and encouraged them to rely on their community for support through these tumultuous times.
Zephyr stood her ground on the House floor earlier this week, her microphone held high while protestors chanted 'Let her speak.' These disruptions halted House proceedings for around 30 minutes. Following this, the House banned Zephyr from the area and its gallery, resulting in her voting on bills from a bench in the hallway outside the House.
Lambda Legal, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), and the ACLU of Montana have stated their intention to challenge the ban in court. The ban is scheduled to take effect on October 1, giving Montana youth just five months to seek alternatives to work around the ban or transition off of hormone treatment.
According to the Montana Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the new bill is 'an overly broad blanket ban that takes decisions that should be made by families and physicians and puts them in the hands of politicians.' Governor Gianforte demonstrated his support for the bill on April 17 when he proposed amendments clarifying that public funds could not be used for hormone blockers, cross-sex hormones, or surgical procedures.
Gianforte later wrote in a letter that the bill 'protects Montana children from permanent, life-altering medical procedures until they are adults, mature enough to make such serious decisions.' However, Zephyr held her fellow lawmakers accountable for the decisions they made regarding the bill during the following day's debate on the amendments.

Subscribe to Our Show for Real News, All Day Every Day

Subscribe to Our Show for Real News, All Day Every Day

Real News Now Podcast

Real News Now Podcast is a Podcast bringing you the Real News All Day Every Day!

<a href="https://realnewsnow.com/">Real News Now</a> Podcast is a Podcast bringing you the Real News All Day Every Day!

Advertisement