FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 23, 2023
CONTACT
Lindsay Kee, 615-320-7142
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today the Tennessee House passed HB 1, which would ban the only evidence-based medical care for transgender people under 18. The legislation will next be sent to Governor Lee for his signature.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee, the ACLU, and Lambda Legal have promised the transgender youth of Tennessee and their families that they will bring immediate legal action against proposed restrictions on their health care should they be signed into law.
Any person at risk of being affected by these restrictions on gender-affirming care should reach out to https://action.aclu.org/legal-intake/aclu-tn-legal-intake-form or https://www.lambdalegal.org/helpdesk.
Lucas Cameron-Vaughn, ACLU-TN staff attorney, had this reaction:
“We are deeply disturbed that state politicians have voted to interfere with the ability of families to make decisions, in consultation with medical professionals, to provide critical care for young people who are transgender. All Tennesseans should have access to the healthcare they need to survive and thrive. Gender-affirming healthcare for trans youth is safe, necessary, effective and often life-saving. Legislators are risking trans young people’s health, wellbeing and safety with this dangerous legislation. We urge Governor Lee to veto this overreaching, discriminatory bill, or we will see him in court.”
###
