Washington State Endangers Kids – And Ignores Parents

Should parents have a say in whether their children undergo transgender medical treatments? No, according to a bill that looks set to become law in Washington state. It’s one of the most extreme measures we’ve seen yet, and it shows how aggressive and uncaring gender activists really are.

The soon-to-be state law is deeply concerning. It allows homes for runaway children to refuse to notify parents if their kids are getting transgender treatments – think puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and even sex-change surgeries. In the legislation’s own words, so-called “gender affirming treatment can be prescribed to two-spirit, transgender, nonbinary, and other gender diverse individuals” without parental notification.

Make no mistake: This policy endangers kids. It’s been proven that huge numbers of kids who believe they’re a different gender struggle with mental health issues. It’s also been proven that the vast majority of these children will ultimately choose their actual gender when they become adults. Yet transgender treatments are often invasive and even irreversible. They can leave children with a life of physical and mental health problems, on top of any psychological problems they may already have.

Parents are essential to protecting their children from doing things they’ll regret and will hurt them for the rest of their lives. That’s why it’s so concerning that Washington state is on the verge of stripping parents’ ability to keep their kids safe.

The bill has now passed the state legislature and is waiting for Gov. Jay Inslee’s signature. Will he really ignore parents and endanger their kids? Or will he protect these especially vulnerable young people by keeping their parents involved? The choice shouldn’t be that hard, but sadly, it looks like the governor is listening to extremists instead of common sense.