Transgender Georgians and their allies were filled with dread as the House failed to take any action on two bills that directly impacted them during the final day of the 2024 Legislative session. Unfortunately, these bills ultimately withered away, leaving the community disappointed and concerned about their future.
Every year, the Gold Dome witnesses the emergence of new battles in the ongoing culture wars. These battles are often fueled by ideology rather than practicality, and they find their place in the deep crevices of the cultural divide.
Questions regarding ethical appropriateness in 2021 primarily revolved around transgender children. However, unlike previous years, there were no new restrictions imposed on trans kids. Despite two bills proposed in the Senate aimed at banning transgender children from participating in sports teams or using restrooms that align with their gender identities, and restricting their access to puberty-blocking drugs, these bills did not pass.
Both bills were passed by the Senate along party lines, however, neither of them received a vote in the House on Thursday.
Republican House Speaker Jon Burns addressed reporters after the House adjourned, acknowledging that there are social issues that are important to Georgians. While some of these issues are embraced, he recognized that the timing may not have been right for certain issues that came over from the Senate.
“We will collaborate with the Senate and carefully consider these issues to determine what is in the best interest of all Georgians, regardless of their background,” he emphasized. “We are fully aware of the importance of these matters. While some of them may be priorities, they may not align perfectly with the Senate’s agenda.”
According to Cole Muzio, the president of the conservative lobbying group Frontline Policy, the failure to pass the bills can be seen as a missed opportunity.
According to him, both of those issues enjoy widespread support from many Georgians. As voters gear up for the November elections and consider their expectations from the government, they are seeking bold action. He acknowledges the positive developments that have taken place in the state, but emphasizes that Georgia still has a long way to go in the right direction. Looking ahead to 2025, there is much work to be done, and they are eager to include these issues in their agenda.
House Democrats were relieved when the chamber adjourned near 1 a.m. without addressing the contentious measures.
Lawrenceville Representative Sam Park, the first openly gay man elected to the General Assembly and Democratic Caucus whip, expressed his satisfaction about the non-passage of legislation that could have adversely affected the transgender youth. He highlighted the importance of avoiding such dangerous and harmful measures, emphasizing the ability to unite and make progress in Georgia despite the current polarized political climate. Reflecting on the legislative session, Park acknowledged the challenges but ultimately deemed the outcome as favorable.
Puberty Blockers
Senate Education and Youth Committee Chair Clint Dixon has taken House Bill 1170 and transformed it into a measure aimed at prohibiting the use of puberty-blocking drugs for transgender minors, deviating from its original purpose of making opioid reversal drugs available in government buildings.
According to him, many parents have privately expressed their desire for this law to have been in place in the past. He sees this as a positive affirmation, albeit sometimes challenging. Being a parent can be tough, and saying no is not always easy. However, having the law on your side can make it easier to say no.
According to Watson, puberty blockers can have lasting effects, and he aims to protect minors from making irreversible choices.
According to him, surgery, sex change hormones, and puberty blockers are all irreversible. He emphasizes the importance of considering the long-term consequences of these treatments. He points out that without puberty blockers, only half of the children proceed with changing their sex. However, with the use of puberty blockers, nearly 100% of children go on to receive sex change hormones. He believes that it is crucial to provide ongoing mental health counseling, care, and support to these children.
Experiencing what is often referred to as the wrong puberty can be a challenging period for many transgender individuals.
Lucas Tucker, a transgender man from Decatur, expressed the significant impact of hormone therapy in his life. He started the treatment before turning 18, even before the introduction of SB 140, which sparked controversy among some individuals. Lucas shared his happiness and gratitude for the positive transformation hormone therapy brought to him. He emphasized that if he hadn’t received this treatment, he wouldn’t be the person he is today. The profound difference it made in his life cannot be overstated.
According to the speaker, granting trans children the right to use their own bathrooms and receive hormone therapy is crucial for their well-being. He believes that such measures can potentially save lives because they address the issues that lead to high rates of suicide among trans individuals. The speaker blames society for perpetuating discrimination and enforcing legislation that forces trans individuals back into the closet. For many, living in the closet is equivalent to a state of death, as it denies them the freedom to live authentically.
Christmas tree bill
In House Bill 1104, Senators included provisions that prohibit transgender students from participating in sports teams or using restrooms that align with their gender identity. Additionally, the bill includes a ban on sex education before 6th grade and provisions that enable parents to monitor the books their children borrow from school libraries more easily. Originally introduced by Decatur Democratic Rep. Omari Crawford, the bill aimed to address mental health and suicide risks faced by student athletes.
Christmas tree bills, as they are often referred to, are adorned with amendments just like a Christmas tree is covered in decorations.
Crawford expressed his optimism as he exited the chamber on Friday morning, stating his intention to return next year and advocate for his initial bill. He firmly believes that the proposed legislation will be instrumental in safeguarding the mental well-being of student athletes.
“I’m relieved that the bill and the Senate substitute failed to pass,” he expressed. “I had several disagreements with the language used, and our goal for the next year will be to reintroduce the intended language of the bill and hopefully secure its passage.”
Rough Draft is excited to share this story in collaboration with Georgia Recorder.
The post “Bill banning puberty blockers for minors languishes alongside other culture war measures” was originally published on Rough Draft Atlanta.
