Trump's 'Two Sexes' Order Prompts State-Level Actions Against Transgender Treatments for Minors
President Donald Trump’s executive orders recognizing only two sexes are spurring state-level efforts to ban transgender medical treatments for minors.
President Donald Trump’s recent executive orders, which include a ban on transgender troops in the military and the recognition of only two sexes, are catalyzing state-level efforts to ban transgender medical treatments for minors. These orders mark a significant shift in federal policy and are influencing legislative actions across the country.
Several states have introduced or are considering legislation to ban transgender medical procedures for minors. Over two dozen states already have laws restricting such procedures. For instance, Alabama’s Senate recently passed a bill to legally define gender based on biological sex, aligning with Trump’s declaration. Similarly, Georgia’s state Senate passed a bill to cut state funding for transgender surgical treatments for both minors and adults.
Legal and Political Reactions
The executive orders have faced opposition from some quarters. Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, a Democrat, vetoed a bill that would have prohibited state funds from being used on gender transition treatments for minors. Additionally, Democratic attorneys general from 15 states have reaffirmed their support for transgender procedures for minors, despite Trump’s orders.
Legal expert Matt Sharp from the Alliance Defending Freedom views these state-level actions as a continuation of efforts to combat what he describes as harmful gender ideology. He highlights the success of states like Idaho and Arkansas in passing laws protecting women’s sports and children from gender transition procedures.
Federal and State Dynamics
Trump’s orders are seen as a return to what supporters describe as normalcy, reversing policies implemented during the Obama and Biden administrations. These orders require federal agencies to recognize only male and female sexes and ban federal funding for sex changes for minors.
The U.S. Supreme Court is set to rule on a case that could impact states’ abilities to ban transgender medical treatments for minors, adding another layer of complexity to the ongoing debate. As states continue to navigate these issues, the influence of Trump’s executive orders remains a significant factor in shaping policy at both the federal and state levels.