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Controversial bill to safeguard gender-affirming care killed at Maine State House


Maine State House in Augusta (WGME){ }
Maine State House in Augusta (WGME)
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AUGUSTA (WMGE) -- A bill that would have prevented the enforcement of laws of other states if a minor coming from out of state wanted to receive gender affirming care in Maine was killed Thursday.

The bill, LD 1735, brought big concerns from Republican lawmakers.

“The angst that the parents from around the country have reached out to talk to us about this bill, that should’ve never come to be,” said Sen. Lisa Keim (R-Oxford). “Parents shouldn’t have their rights threatened in this way, and this is a dangerous bill for children.”

The bill reads that the state of Maine could take temporary, emergency jurisdiction over minors who are unable to access gender affirming health care, which republicans say could have allowed minors from out of state to receive gender affirming surgeries in Maine without parental consent.

“This gives the state jurisdiction to effectively come into your home and take your kids based on a medical decision you made for the wellbeing and mental wellbeing of your child,” said Rep. Rachel Henderson (R-Rumford).

But the bill’s sponsor says that was never the intent.

She says that language was meant to protect transgender children from an unsafe environment and was taken aback by the message from republicans.

“That’s disrespectful to our care providers,” said Rep. Laurie Osher (D-Orno), “Our care providers are trained, we have certification and licensing in Maine, and they only provide the care that’s needed for their patients.”

But Thursday, every democrat on the judiciary committee joined republicans in a unanimous vote to kill the bill. Democrats, who previously supported the bill, say its language was flawed. But Osher says she and her colleagues will keep fighting for protection for healthcare workers and individuals seeking gender affirming care.

“We will make sure that people are protected that our care providers are protected,” said Osher. “Today was a moment where we’re not getting that done, but we will get that done.”

The vote from the judiciary committee means the bill is dead, and will not be brought to a vote on the Senate or House floor.

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