Politicians in Florida are debating a bill that aims to criminalize medical care for transgender youth!
This reckless piece of legislation, known as SB 254, would penalize parents and doctors simply for providing accepted medical standards of care to young people trying to live as their authentic selves. Young kids and teens; our neighbors, students, and children are being targeted by this harsh bill that threatens criminal sentences for helping trans youth access medical treatment to support transition related care.
If passed, SB 254 would:
• Dramatically restructure Florida law on parental custody disputes
• Effectively treats parents seeking affirming care for trans youth as child abusers
• Empower the government to remove children from an affirming parent by favoring custody for a parent or guardian who is unsupportive of transition related care
SB 254 displays a fundamental ignorance about medical treatment for trans youth. Being a kid is hard enough. Denying best-practice medical care and inhibiting the ability of families to support trans youth can be life-threatening.
We won’t stand by as young trans people are discriminated against in this way. Help us make the voices of this vulnerable community heard, before it’s too late!
As your constituent, I urge you to oppose Senate Bill 254
Dear [Decision Maker],
I am writing to urge you to vote no on the harmful bill SB 254!There is no reason why Florida youth should be denied access to best-practice medical care. This bill attacks the parents of transgender youth and providers of healthcare, threatening criminal sentences for helping transgender youth access lifesaving care and would cause long-lasting harm to transgender youth by invading the private lives of them and their families through government overreach. We know that when young people are supported by their families and communities, they thrive.
Sincerely,[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State ZIP][Your Email]
