Alabama lawmakers approved sweeping legislation Thursday to outlaw gender-affirming medications for transgender youths, as well as a separate measure setting rules about school bathrooms and prohibiting early classroom instruction on sexual and gender identity -- a bill critics have dubbed 'Don't Say Gay.'
MONTGOMERY, ALA. -- Alabama lawmakers approved sweeping legislation Thursday to outlaw gender-affirming medications for transgender youths, as well as a separate measure setting rules about school bathrooms and prohibiting early classroom instruction on sexual and gender identity -- a bill critics have dubbed "Don't Say Gay."
Rep. Neil Rafferty, the only openly gay member of the Alabama Legislature, appeared to struggle to maintain composure as lawmakers headed to the vote. "It's about protecting these minors. It's not about adults. Their minds are not fully developed to make these decisions on these medications and surgeries," he said.
The bill would also require school counselors, nurses and others to tell parents if a child discloses they believe they are transgender.Jeff Walker, whose 15-year-old daughter Harleigh is transgender, said he was "infuriated" as he watched a livestream of the House vote. Walker said he wants the governor, "to know that she doesn't have to sign this."Arkansas approved a similar law in 2021, but it was put on hold by the courts.
Lawmakers approved separate legislation Thursday related to public school bathrooms and discussions of gender and sexual identity in early grades.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
First wildlife overpass outside a national park being built over Trans-Canada Highway in AlbertaConstruction has started on a wildlife bridge over the Trans-Canada Highway where dozens of elk were killed in 2019 by vehicles driving through Alberta’s mountains
Read more »
Users of erectile dysfunction medications at higher risk of eye conditions, new study suggestsConclusion follows an epidemiological study of health insurance claims of 213,000 American males who were regular users of common medications such as Viagra, Cialis, Levitra and Stendra.
Read more »
First wildlife overpass outside a national park being built over Trans-Canada Highway in AlbertaConstruction has started on a wildlife bridge over the Trans-Canada Highway where dozens of elk were killed in 2019 by vehicles driving through Alberta’s mountains
Read more »
Detained man mistreated by Alberta paramedics a 'horrifying' example of discrimination, advocates say | CBC NewsTwo Alberta paramedics forcing medication on a incapacitated seizure patient in police custody is a case study in the rampant discrimination faced by incarcerated patients, advocates say.
Read more »
DineSafe Toronto: Food safety inspectors find serious health violations at 10 restaurants (Apr. 6)Toronto Public Health issued conditional pass warnings to 10 local eateries over the past week.
Read more »
Israel government loses majority as religious lawmaker quitsAn Israeli lawmaker quit the government's wafer-thin ruling coalition over a dispute about Passover matzo rules in hospitals on Wednesday, throwing the fragile alliance into disarray without a majority in parliament.
Read more »