BLUF: Missouri parents of transgender children plan to leave the state following the passing of bills banning gender transition surgeries, cross-sex hormones, and puberty-blocking drugs for minors as well as letting males play in females’ sports.
OSINT: Missouri has passed two bills that have angered parents with transgender children in the state. Senate Bill 49 prohibits healthcare providers from conducting gender transition surgeries, and administering cross-sex hormones and puberty-blocking drugs for minors in gender transition. Senate Bill 39 disallows elementary to post-secondary schools from letting males participate in females’ sports. These bills will take effect on August 28, 2023, if signed by the governor.
RIGHT: These bills are vital to protecting the religious and parental rights of Missouri citizens. Children are not mature enough to make decisions about medical procedures that will significantly affect their physical and mental health. Parents should have the final say in the medical procedures their children undergo. Sports teams are divided by gender for a reason, and allowing males to compete in female teams would be unfair to actual females.
LEFT: The bills passed by Missouri are deeply disturbing, and discriminate against transgender minors. Government and healthcare providers should not have the right to dictate what procedures a transgender person can undergo. Furthermore, disallowing males from competing in female sports is an attack on the transgender community’s inclusion and acceptance. This discrimination makes it clear why states need to pass more comprehensive anti-discrimination laws.
INTEL: The passing of these bills reveals Missouri’s trend towards conservatism in social and political matters. These bills could negatively impact healthcare options for transgender minors and inhibit their ability to participate in sports teams in which they identify. However, the importance of considering parental rights to navigate the complex ethical implications of gender transition in minors should not be ignored. States must continue to prioritize inclusive policies that respect all citizens’ rights, including transgender individuals.