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North Carolina Republican lawmakers introduced the “Youth Health Protection Act” on Monday.
The bill prohibits doctors from performing gender confirmation surgery on transgender individuals under the age of 21.
Under the bill, medical professionals can be fined up to $1,000 or have their license revoked if they provide any gender confirming hormone therapy, puberty blockers, or surgery.
“Transgender youth have the best chance to thrive when they are supported and affirmed, not singled out or denied critical care that is backed by virtually every leading health authority,” Rev. Jasmine Beach-Ferrara, executive director of the Campaign for Southern Equality, said.
“[A] person’s gender identity shouldn’t limit their ability to access health care or be treated with dignity and respect.”
A string of laws impacting transgender individuals has been introduced this year.
On Monday, Republican Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson vetoed a bill that banned gender confirming treatments or surgery for transgender individuals under the age of 18. The next day, the Arkansas House and Senate overrode the Governor’s veto.
