We are approaching the start of 2021 state legislative sessions and are already seeing pre-filed bills that would criminalize the provision of health care to trans young people. These are incredibly dangerous and we need to start mobilizing now.

These bills are part of a coordinated assault on trans youth fueled by misinformation and a goal of stopping people from being trans. It is impossible to stop us from being who we are except by killing us, which is in essence what these could accomplish.

One bill that was pre-filed in Alabama (HB1) would make it a felony to provide care to trans youth or refer a trans young person for care in support of gender affirmation. http://alisondb.legislature.state.al.us/ALISON/SearchableInstruments/2021RS/PrintFiles/HB1-int.pdf

The bill is called the "Alabama Vulnerable Child Compassion and Protection Act" but would make it a crime to treat children with life-saving care consistent with medical protocols and supported by the American Academy of Pediatrics and every major medical association.

It would turn ongoing and necessary medical treatment into a felony and jeopardize the survival and well-being of all trans youth across the state and compromise their families and medical providers.

Texas has also introduced a bill, HB 68, that would define "child abuse" to include affirming the gender of a trans young person. This bill would also make it a crime to treat trans youth consistent with these same prevailing standards of care. https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/87R/billtext/pdf/HB00068I.pdf#navpanes=0

No bill like this has ever become law but we are facing a serious risk that one could pass in 2021. We need to start organizing now and targeting lawmakers in these states to ensure that they oppose these cruel and dangerous efforts.