Democratic Rep. Cezar McKnight of South Carolina recently introduced legislation that would forbid minors from undergoing gender reassignment surgery.
The bill, titled the South Carolina Vulnerable Child Compassion and Protection Act, states that minors, persons under the age of 18, are banned from getting transgender surgeries and from receiving puberty blockers and hormone treatments. Violations of the proposed law, such as doctors performing surgery on a minor, can face up to 20 years in prison.
According to the Washington Examiner, 23 Republicans joined McKnight on the legislation. Meanwhile, the South Carolina Democratic Party opposed the bill and approved a resolution stating that they condemn “this outrageous bill — and its Democratic supporters — in the strongest possible terms.”
In a recent interview, McKnight explained his introduction of the bill was due to parents who agree that minors should not be receiving those kinds of surgeries, The Daily Wire reports.
“Black Democrats tend to be more conservative than white progressives," McKnight said. "I would not have ever put this bill forward if I didn't think the people in my district wouldn't be receptive, and they are. Pastors, young parents, older parents, they all tell me the same thing: If you want to do this, wait until you're 18."
“This bill isn’t anti-trans,” McKnight asserted. “I just don’t think to make a sex change during the teen years is something someone should do.”
Last week, McKnight contended that the legislation was non-discriminatory and that a person needs to be at least 18 years old in order to receive a gender reassignment surgery.
“H Bill 4047 does not discriminate against anyone,” he tweeted “It requires a person to be at least 18 years old before being able to undergo transgender procedures. You have to be 18 to get a tattoo. Surely you need to be an adult to change your gender?”
Similarly, the Alabama Senate passed a bill prohibiting minors from transgender surgeries and treatments earlier this month.
Related:
Alabama Senate Passes Bill Banning Minors from Receiving Transgender Treatments
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Milton Quintanilla is a freelance writer and content creator. He is a contributing writer for CrosswalkHeadlines and the host of the For Your Soul Podcast, a podcast devoted to sound doctrine and biblical truth. He holds a Masters of Divinity from Alliance Theological Seminary.
