AUSTIN, Texas — Texas would become the largest state to ban gender transitional care for minors under a bill sent Wednesday night to Republican Gov. Greg Abbott, who previously ordered child protection officials childhood to investigate such treatment as abuse.
The bill passed the GOP-controlled Legislature after a final vote in the Senate over objections from Democrats, who have used House maneuvering in recent weeks to delay passage but have been unable to do so. derail completely.
Texas is now set to join at least 17 other states that have passed similar bans.
Abbott’s office did not return an email seeking comment Wednesday night. Last year, Abbott became the first governor to order the inquiry into families receiving care. The investigations were later halted by a Texas judge.
All major medical organizations, including the American Medical Association, have opposed the bans and supported medical care for minors when administered appropriately.
Texas is among a number of states where Republican lawmakers have given priority status this year to measures limiting the rights of transgender people. Earlier Wednesday, the Texas House also gave preliminary approval to a bill that imposes restrictions on transgender college athletes.
Transgender rights activists disrupted the Texas House with chamber gallery protests, which led to state police forcing protesters out of the building.
Earlier this month, a Texas hospital’s care for transgender minors was investigated by state Attorney General Ken Paxton, who said he was looking for evidence of a “potentially illegal activity” without giving further details.