Indiana, Idaho adopt laws on transgender treatment for minors

Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb signed a bill Wednesday that protects minors from all gender transition interventions. Idaho Gov. Brad Little on Tuesday signed a law criminalizing all such procedures in his state. Idaho’s law makes it a felony to provide puberty blockers and other gender transition treatments to those under 18.

How many states have passed laws like this? At least 12 states ban or restrict transgender interventions for minors. Nearly two dozen more are considering similar legislation protecting minors. Gov. Little wrote that government and society have a vested interest in protecting minors from procedures that would damage their bodies. Supporters in Indiana argue that the law protects minors from procedures only an adult—not just a minor’s parents—should be able to consent to.

Dig deeper: Read Andrew T. Walker’s column in WORLD Opinions about the mental health problems associated with transgenderism.