The state of Georgia has taken a step that could potentially harm the transgender community, as the Senate has passed a bill that would cut off public funding for gender-affirming care for adults. This move has been met with concern and criticism from advocates and lawmakers who support transgender rights. The bill, which was pushed by state Sen. Blake Tillery, would bar state money from being used for gender-affirming care in state employee and university health insurance plans, Medicaid, and the prison system.
While Tillery claims that the bill is only about not using state taxpayer dollars to pay for transgender surgeries, Democrats argue that it would violate federal law and is an attempt to bully a minority group. Sen. RaShaun Kemp, an Atlanta Democrat, pointed out that these efforts will not erase transgender individuals from society and that the bill seems to be trying to do just that.
It’s worth noting that Georgia has previously settled lawsuits granting gender-affirming care benefits to state employees, public university employees, Medicaid beneficiaries, and state prisoners. Some advocates argue that the state made binding contracts in those settlements and can’t legally reverse the deals. However, Tillery claims that the state can change the terms of health insurance contracts.
The passage of this bill is a concerning development, especially given the progress that has been made in recent years towards greater acceptance and understanding of the transgender community. It’s heartening to see lawmakers like Sen. Kemp speaking out against the bill and advocating for the rights of transgender individuals.
As the bill moves to the state House, it’s unclear what the future holds. State House Speaker Jon Burns has expressed little interest in the bill, and the House has a less secure Republican majority than the Senate. This could potentially mean that the bill may not pass, or that it may be significantly altered.
Regardless of the outcome, it’s essential to continue advocating for the rights of transgender individuals and to push back against legislation that seeks to harm or marginalize them. Every person deserves access to the healthcare they need, and it’s our responsibility to ensure that our laws and policies reflect that. By standing together and supporting one another, we can create a more inclusive and compassionate society where everyone can thrive.