Sen. Roger Marshall, a former medical doctor, is set to introduce legislation called the Safeguarding the Overall Protection (STOP) of Minors Act, which would ban gender-related medical procedures on minors and penalize professionals who perform such treatments. The bill aims to prohibit youth gender transition treatment and “castration procedures” by banning the use of interstate commerce to perform or provide referral for such procedures on minors. Marshall believes that such treatments are a form of child abuse and is determined to end the practice of “mutilating, sterilizing, and castrating children.”
The STOP Act would require Health and Human Services (HHS) to impose a civil penalty of at least $100,000 on individuals providing transgender mutilation services and treatments for minors. Marshall plans to introduce the bill on Capitol Hill and work with President Trump, who has also expressed support for cutting “gender-affirming” care for minors. The legislation also aims to assist detransitioners, individuals who no longer wish to continue the gender transition process. Marshall is dedicated to protecting children from what he sees as a dangerous and criminal agenda promoted by transgender activists.
Marshall’s bill is part of a larger effort by GOP lawmakers to focus on legislation against irreversible gender surgeries and treatments on minors. They are working to prevent children from undergoing procedures that they may later regret, such as drug therapy and surgery. On the other side of the issue, some lawmakers support such procedures for minors, including hormone replacement therapy and laser hair removal. There has been pushback against bans on these treatments, with 164 lawmakers defending transgender youth in an amicus brief filed in support of minor’s access to these procedures.
The Supreme Court will hear arguments regarding a ban on transgender medical procedures for minors in Tennessee and decide whether to uphold the law. The issue has sparked debate among lawmakers, with some advocating for the protection of children from irreversible treatments and others supporting access to gender-affirming care. Marshall’s bill is expected to be just the beginning of legislative efforts to address the issue, with a focus on prioritizing the safety and well-being of minors who may be considering such procedures.
Marshall’s background as a medical doctor adds credibility to his push for legislation to ban gender-related medical procedures on minors. He believes that it is imperative to protect children from irreversible treatments that could have long-term consequences. The STOP Act would impose penalties on professionals who perform such procedures and provide support for individuals who no longer wish to continue the gender transition process. Marshall’s bill aligns with President Trump’s stance on cutting gender-affirming care for minors and represents a larger effort by GOP lawmakers to address the issue.
