The Austin City Council (ACC) in Texas has recently voted in favor of a resolution supporting transgender individuals seeking “gender-affirming” care. This decision appears to conflict with state law, which prohibits such acts on minors.
In a 10-1 vote, the ACC passed the resolution directing city resources away from enforcing state law SB 14, which prohibits “gender transitioning or gender reassignment procedure or treatment” for minors under 18.
Attorney General Ken Paxton expressed concern about the resolution, stating that it goes against Texas law by allowing puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and invasive surgeries for minors. He emphasized that the safety of minors is at risk with such treatments and that the state has banned them for this reason.
Paxton affirmed that his office is prepared to ensure that Austin complies with state law, emphasizing that Texas municipalities cannot selectively choose which laws to follow.
The resolution, introduced by Council Member Chito Vela and co-sponsored by four other council members, states that city resources will not be used to investigate or penalize transgender individuals seeking healthcare. It also instructs the Austin police to prioritize enforcement of SB 14 as their lowest priority.
Despite the resolution, critics like Mary Elizabeth Castle of Texas Values argue that it is merely a political statement and does not address the specific enforcement of the law. Castle believes that the Austin City Council’s actions prioritize virtue signaling over the well-being of citizens.
In response to the resolution, it is worth noting that a long-term study from the Netherlands found that many adolescents who have doubts about their identity and gender eventually grow out of them. The study highlights the importance of considering the complexity of gender identity.
In 2023, Governor Abbott signed SB 14 into law, which prohibits physicians from performing certain gender transitioning procedures on minors. These include castration, hysterectomy, and other irreversible treatments.
Overall, the resolution passed by the Austin City Council has sparked controversy and raised concerns about the well-being of minors seeking gender-affirming care in Texas.
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