Montana Lawmaker Criticised for Gender-Affirming Care Speech

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Montana Representative Zooey Zephyr, a transgender Democratic member of the Montana House of Representatives, is facing criticism from Republican lawmakers after delivering a passionate plea to reject a bill that would ban gender-affirming care for transgender minors.

During her speech, Zephyr warned that the bill would be tantamount to torture, which angered conservatives. House Majority Leader Sue Vinton called Zephyr’s remarks “entirely inappropriate, disrespectful, and uncalled for,” while the Montana Freedom Caucus accused her of using “hateful rhetoric” and demanded that she be censured. In response, Zephyr called out the Montana Freedom Caucus for misgendering her and disregarding the dignity and humanity of transgender individuals.

She pointed out that banning gender-affirming care is harmful to the trans community and that lawmakers should be voting down this legislation instead of silencing her. Montana is not the first US state to pass legislation banning gender-affirming care. Earlier this month, Idaho and Indiana also passed similar bills. Those opposing the legislation argue that banning healthcare facilities impedes trans kids who might require life-saving care. They added that most procedures available to trans kids are reversible and safe. On the other hand, supporters of the bill argue that such procedures are harmful and that only adults should make these decisions.

–Re-reported from the story originally published in Wion News