(CNN) Democratic Gov. Tim Waltz of Minnesota on Wednesday signed an executive order directing state agencies to take action to protect and support access to gender-affirming health care statewide.
“All state agencies, to the fullest extent of their legal powers, pursue opportunities to protect each other to protect any person or entity who provides, assists, seeks, or obtains gender-confirming medical services in Minnesota. should be adjusted to ,” the order said.
Gender-confirmed care is medically necessary, evidence-based care that uses an interdisciplinary approach to transition from assigned gender (assigned at birth) to confirmed gender (preferred gender). We help you transition. to be known.
The Waltz order comes at a time when Republican-led states across the country are pushing for restrictions on such care, with at least four states passing legislation this year banning gender-affirming care for minors. As part of the order, the governor has barred the state from cooperating with state-initiated investigations aimed at penalizing such care, and that their actions are “serious to the health of members of the LGBTQ community.” poses a serious threat,” he said.
“I want all Minnesotans to grow up feeling safe, valued, protected, celebrated and free to exist,” Waltz said at a press conference Wednesday.
“Protecting and supporting access to gender-affirming health care is essential to becoming a community-welcoming and supportive state,” continued the governor. It will continue to be a haven for those seeking to provide and receive medical services.”
The order itself does not change existing laws in Minnesota, but instead allows state agencies to use their existing powers to protect gender-affirming care and ensure the health benefits of such care. is obliged to study The order also directs agencies to investigate medical facilities where individuals may have denied access to gender-affirming care.
LGBTQ advocacy group Outfront Minnesota on Wednesday praised what it called a “trans evacuation” order, saying, “With the rights of our neighbors under threat, this order will help trans people, their families to support them, and their caregivers.” You are welcome here.”
The order comes after lawmakers in Tennessee, Mississippi, Utah and South Dakota last month enacted laws restricting minors’ access to treatment.Arkansas will enact a ban in 2021. Alabama issued a ban last year. Arizona also enacted restrictions on gender-affirming care in 2022, but its ban was less sweeping than others.
“By banning gender-affirming health care, states across this country can ensure people receive safe, medically necessary, and evidence-based care,” Waltz said in his speech. We know this urgency is real, and therefore the need for today’s executive order.”
Although gender-affirming care is highly individualized, some children may decide to use reversible pubertal suppression therapy. It may also include hormonal therapy, which can lead to psychological changes.
CNN’s Devan Cole and Shawna Mizelle contributed to this report.
