Republican lawmakers in North Carolina have joined their colleagues in other states in introducing a bill that would limit healthcare for trans youth. BPR has a reaction from a local activist...
Two out of the three primary sponsors of Senate Bill 514 – which restricts transitional care for people under the age of 21 - represent Western North Carolina: Senators Warren Daniel and Ralph Hise, of District 46 and 47 respectively.
Tina White, executive director of Blue Ridge Pride Center, calls the bill “fearmongering.”
“I think we have set up a false dichotomy. I don’t think this is trans people vs. religious conservatives, for example. I think this is Christians against Christians and that’s how it ought to be presented,” said White, who identifies as a Christian.
The legislation also advances the false idea that many trans people regret transitioning. A 2015 survey by the National Center for Transgender Equality reported only 8 percent of respondents “detransitioned” at some point – that means at least temporarily going back to their sex assigned at birth.
“That’s what we are facing though, a willful misuse of facts. And a dependence on a public that will trust its leaders rather than reviewing facts,” said White.
Even if the GOP majorities in the General Assembly pass the bill, it is almost certain to be vetoed by Democratic governor Roy Cooper. The bill is now in the rules committee.
On Wednesday, a North Carolina House Committee will hold a hearing on another transgender rights bill - HB358 - which would restrict transgender students from participating in female sports in schools.
