At least 13 states have passed laws banning gender-affirming care for trans youth, including life-saving treatments like hormone therapy and puberty blockers. The Onion asked politicians why they oppose gender-affirming care, and this is what they said.
“I consider it sexual abuse, and I’ve decided I suddenly care about that.” ~ Representative Jim Jordan (R-OH)
“Seems like an easy way to annoy everyone who voted for me.” ~ Senator Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ)
“To fulfill my pathological need to exert power over our society’s most vulnerable, obviously. Dumb question.” ~ Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN)
“It’s not up to young people to decide what gender they are. It’s up to my campaign donors.” ~ Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX)
“No child should ever be affirmed about anything, ever.” ~ Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders (R-AR)
“None of my girlfriends have been mature enough to make such a life-altering decision.” ~ Representative Matt Gaetz (R-FL)
“It is a fact that the first sign of child abuse is a kid liking themselves.” ~ Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL)
“It’s unnatural for a teenager to alter their body in a way that makes me not attracted to them.” ~ Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO)
“There hasn’t been a single pro-gender-affirming lobbyist even trying to throw millions at me.” ~ Governor Greg Abbott (R-TX)
“Anything to keep voters’ attention off my state’s poverty, crime, economy, drug problems, schools, and police departments.” ~ Governor Bill Lee (R-TN)
“That sounds suspiciously like healthcare.” ~ Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY)
“I believe in a small government that inspects children’s genitals.” ~ Senator Rick Scott (R-FL)
“You lost me at gender, then again at affirming, and finally at care.” ~ Senator John Kennedy (R-LA)
