New legislation introduced in the House aims to protect parents who don’t wish to affirm transgender ideology or gender reassignment procedures for their minor children.
The GUARD Act, sponsored by Rep. Jim Banks (R-IN), would disqualify states from federal funds if they discriminate against parents opposing gender affirmation for their kids. It mirrors a Senate bill by Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR).
Banks said he never imagined needing such legislation in America 7 years ago, but won’t sit idle as children are removed from loving homes because parents refuse to accept leftist gender ideology.
The bill backs parents wanting to raise kids per their biological sex without fear of losing them. It would cut off Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) funds to states that discriminate against non-affirming parents.
Liberal states have forced transgender policies on students and denied parental rights, sparking backlash.
In California, a judge granted a temporary order stopping a school district from requiring parent notification if a child identifies as transgender.
In Virginia, dozens of students protested a district’s transgender rules after a male student in a skirt sexually assaulted girls in a restroom.
The GUARD Act aims to refocus child services on their mandate of protecting children, preventing discrimination against non-affirming parents.
Supporters say states shouldn’t mandate affirmation or usurp parental rights regarding gender identity. Parents have authority over medical decisions for their minor children.
But critics argue the bill marginalizes transgender youth and prevents needed care or social transitioning. They say it wrongly limits state and parental discretion.
The bipartisan legislation faces unclear prospects but exemplifies growing conflicts as views diverge on transgender youth policies. Parents’ rights versus state authority over gender identity for minors remains hotly contested.
