On Friday, June 2, 2023, Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed a bill into law that bans gender-affirming care of transgender minors across the state. By doing so, Texas joins at least 18 other states that have enacted similar bans.
In the past, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has referred to gender-affirming care for minors as “child abuse.” Taking things a step further, he called on the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services to investigate families offering families such care.
“Because the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services is responsible for protecting children from abuse, I hereby direct your agency to conduct a prompt and thorough investigation of any reported instances of these abusive procedures in the State of Texas,” Abbott wrote in February.
“To protect Texas children from abuse, DFPS and all other state agencies must follow the law as explained in OAG Opinion No. KP-0401.”
Despite Abbott’s recent legislative action, activists in favor of offering gender-affirming care remain committed to pushing back against Senate Bill 14.
“Cruelty has always been the point,” Transgender Education Network of Texas Executive Director Emmett Schelling said, according to the Texas Tribune.
“It’s not shocking that this governor would sign SB14 right at the beginning of Pride [Month]; however this will not stop trans people from continuing to exist with authenticity — as we always have.”
