Oklahoma senator announces plans to refile legislation prohibiting those under 21 from undergoing gender reassignment procedures

OKLAHOMA CITY –   State Sen. Warren Hamilton, R-McCurtain, plans to refile legislation prohibiting anyone under the age of 21 from undergoing gender reassignment medical treatment in the state. Hamilton had originally filed the legislation in the 2021 session, but the measure did not receive a hearing.

“My concern is that these procedures and transitions are life-altering, and this decision shouldn’t be made by those unable to see the long-term effects of such treatments,” Hamilton said. “The problem is, once they become adults, those surgeries and the effects of the hormones cannot simply be undone.  My legislation will help preserve the physical and mental health of a young person who may not fully understand the life-long ramifications of these treatments and surgeries.”

In addition to making it illegal for a person younger than 21 to undergo gender reassignment medical treatment, Hamilton’s planned legislation would also make it illegal for a parent or guardian of a child under the age of 18 to obtain gender reassignment medical treatment for the child.  It would also be illegal for a health care professional to intentionally perform gender reassignment medical treatment on a person who is under the age of 21.

Anyone convicted of violating these provisions would be guilty of a felony with a punishment of three years up to life in prison, as well as a fine up to $20,000.

“Let us not forget that surgery and puberty-blocking hormones are child abuse in every sense of the word. There are even instances of ‘doctors’ performing these ‘treatments’ on children as young as two and three,” Hamilton said. “Adults who force, coerce, encourage, or permit a child to undergo irrevocable surgery or hormonal mangling are guilty of physical, sexual, emotional, and mental child abuse. Oklahoma statute makes provisions for a life sentence in cases of the most egregious child abuse, which this clearly is.  Someone who would do this to a child is at best, delusional, and at worst, demonic.”    

The Gayly. 2:19 p.m. CST 08/22/2022