Calay News
The US state of Montana approved a law banning gender affirmation treatments for minors by a wide legislative majority. Republican Governor Greg Gianforte signed the bill, making Montana one of a dozen regions that have passed similar legislation, according to the Progress Project Movement, which tracks state legislation related to the LGBTQ+ community. The law will take effect on October 1.
The text prohibits surgeries and the administration of testosterone or estrogen to teenagers except in cases where there is a “verifiable medical developmental disorder.” The law also provides for disciplinary sanctions and even the suspension of medical practice for up to a year. Legal guardians can be sued in civil court.
The case has been particularly significant given that the governor’s own son, David Gianforte, identifies as a non-binary homosexual. However, the governor has emphasized that the law “protects Montana minors from life-altering medical procedures.”
In addition, Democratic congresswoman Zooey Zephyr was expelled from the Montana House session in which the law was passed because she alleged that those who supported the initiative “have blood on their hands.” Zephyr called the law “as cruel as it is unconstitutional” and advocated for its overturn in the courts.
