A doctor who is also a Republican lawmaker in Utah has introduced a bill mirroring Alabama's Vulnerable Child Compassion and Protection (VCAP) Act.
SB16, introduced by Utah Sen. Mike Kennedy, would ban surgeries that change the genital and breast areas of youth claiming to be transgender.
The Alabama law prohibits doctors in the state of Alabama from performing transgender operations or prescribing cross-sex hormones and puberty blockers to individuals under 19.
VCAP went into effect on May 8 but was blocked by U.S. District Judge Liles Burke shortly after that. The law is now in the hands of the court system. The Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals heard arguments in November. If the parties do not agree, the case is set for trial in the fall of 2023.
SEE ALSO: Transgender Life: 2 adults weigh in on Alabama bill to ban juvenile sex reassignment
Arkansas has passed a similar law, and other states have considered a ban or similar law to protect youth. The Utah bill could be considered when the 2023 legislative session begins in January.
Supporters of the so-called "gender-affirming" medications and surgeries for children in Alabama have said taking away these treatments is comparable to taking away treatments for cancer patients.
To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
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