California officials blasted a new directive issued by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Wednesday, asking for an “immediate and comprehensive examination” of alleged “gender-transitioning procedures” among children.
The letter comes on the heels of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s Monday report.
This report states some gender-affirming operations and treatments (such as gender reassignment surgery and the prescription of puberty-blocking medicines performed on children) constitute legal “child abuse” in the state.
California’s Doors Remains Open
In the letter, Abbott states “licensed professionals” who have personal access to children are required by Texas law to report abuse. Those who refuse to do so may face “criminal penalties.”
Additionally, the Texas governor stated the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) has a “responsibility” to examine parents of adolescents undergoing what he referred to as “abusive gender-changing operations.”
Trans kids and their families should be celebrated – not targeted by the state!
They are heroes. This order is a direct assault on their wellbeing.
To fearful families in Texas right now – California’s door is always open to you. https://t.co/cKt5OFgFtR
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) February 23, 2022
On Wednesday, officials across California reacted angrily to Abbott’s decree, alleging it targets transgender youth.
Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco, condemned Abbott’s proposal on Wednesday, saying it “criminalizes families for embracing their trans children and seeks to separate trans children from their parents.”
“It will increase the number of transgender children committing suicide,” Wiener warned. “I cannot fathom right-wing politicians’ preoccupation with targeting trans children and attempting to wreck their lives.”
“California will remain a powerful advocate for transgender children and all LGBTQ individuals.”
Issues with Abbott’s Measures
This is not the first time officials of California have spoken against Abbott-supported measures.
Newsom approved new gun law last week fashioned after The Lone Star State’s abortion law. The people of California would be able to impose the state’s ban on “assault” weapons by suing makers and dealers of guns involved in certain types of firearms.
BREAKING: California Gov. Gavin Newsom announces legislation that will empower private citizens to sue gun makers for up to $10,000 per gun — similar to the Texas law that allows citizens to sue those who help women get abortions. RT IF YOU SUPPORT FIGHTING FIRE WITH FIRE!
— Occupy Democrats (@OccupyDemocrats) February 18, 2022
Newsom made the following announcement regarding the measure last week, “If Texas can use a statute to restrict a woman’s ability to choose and jeopardize her health, we will use the same statute to save lives and help the health and safety of Californians.”
California Attorney General Rob Bonta responded to Abbott’s letter, pledging, “California will always fight for trans rights.”
According to NBC News, Abbott or Paxton may not be able to compel the DFPS to investigate allegations of child abuse against the guardians of transgender children without enacting new laws amending existing regulations.
In reaction to Abbott’s directive, Harris County Attorney Christian D. Menefee stated his office would “not engage in bad faith political shenanigans.”
“Governor Abbott and Attorney General Paxton are deliberately distorting the law to the harm of transgender children and their families,” Menefee said in a statement.
“As the attorneys handling these cases, we owe the courts an obligation of openness regarding what the law states. We will continue to adhere to the existing laws, not Attorney General Paxton’s politically motivated and legally erroneous opinion.”
