Utah Gov. Spencer Cox has signed a law banning puberty blockers, hormones, and surgical sex change procedures for minors.
The Transgender Medical Treatment and Procedures bill, SB 16, will prohibit those under 18 from obtaining procedures “for the purpose of effectuating a sex change.”
“Legislation that impacts our most vulnerable youth requires careful consideration and deliberation,” Gov. Cox said in a statement.
“While not a perfect bill, we are grateful for Sen. Kennedy’s more nuanced and thoughtful approach to this terribly divisive issue.
“More and more experts, states and countries around the world are pausing these permanent and life-altering treatments for new patients until more and better research can help determine the long-term consequences.”
Cox continued on to say that “we will continue to push the Legislature for additional resources to organizations that work to help this important Utah community.
“While we understand our words will be of little comfort to those who disagree with us, we sincerely hope that we can treat our transgender families with more love and respect as we work to better understand the science and consequences behind these procedures.”