On Tuesday, February 22, 2022, Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued an order that the Texas child welfare agency must investigate reports of “gender-transitioning procedures” as child abuse. This comes on the heels of a legal opinion from the Texas Attorney General arguing that children were too young to consent to gender-affirming surgeries.
The Texas Governor’s action sends a cruel and damaging message to transgender children and adults across the nation. It is harmful to children, and further stigmatizes the transgender community. We support the rights of all children to–grow up free from harassment or discrimination because of their gender identity, sex, race, color, religion, sexual orientation, ethnic group, ancestry, national origin, mental or physical ability, or HIV status. California’s Foster Youth Bill of Rights foremost states the right of children in foster care to be treated with respect. It specifically states that the young person has the right to fair and equal access to all available services, placement, care, treatment, and benefits, and to not be subjected to discrimination or harassment on the basis of gender identity or expression, or any other factors related to race, ethnicity, religion, or mental or physical ability.
The Alliance for Children’s Rights believes families and their children deserve the gender-affirming medical supports necessary for transgender and gender non-conforming individuals to live healthy lives. We condemn these prejudiced and illegitimate actions against LGBTQ2S+ youth and their families. We cannot allow politicians to harass and target children. And we must protect their allies, including their parents, from being penalized for supporting the children in their lives.
