...By Judah Olanisebee for TDPel Media.
Washington State House Passes Bill Allowing Youth Shelters to Keep Parents in the Dark about Child’s Gender Transition
The Washington state House recently passed a bill that would allow licensed youth shelters to withhold information from parents regarding whether their child is undergoing a gender transition.
Instead, the shelters can contact the state’s Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF). If the bill passes, licensed overnight youth shelters can inform only the DCYF, and not a child’s parents, if the child is “seeking or receiving protected health care services,” such as evaluation and treatments for gender dysphoria, gender-affirming hormone therapy, and gender-affirming surgical procedures.
Supporting Youth and Young Adults Seeking Protected Health Care Services
Sponsor state Sen. Marko Liias, D-Everett, said that the bill, titled “Supporting youth and young adults seeking protected health care services,” ensures that trans youth have safe options and access to secure, stable shelter when they may not be welcome at home.
The bill now returns to the state Senate for voting before being presented to Democrat Governor Jay Inslee.
Under current state law, youth shelters must inform a child’s parents that they are housing their child, unless there are “compelling reasons” not to do so.
However, this new bill will allow licensed youth shelters to withhold this information from parents, further straining the parent-child relationship.
Opposition from Washington State Catholic Conference
The Washington State Catholic Conference, representing the state’s Catholic bishops, expressed concerns that the bill undermines the foundational relationship between parents and their children.
According to Catholic social teaching, the family is the most central social institution, and it must be supported and strengthened.
The Washington Catholic Conference opposed the bill, stating that it undermines families, while emphasizing the importance of protecting children and families and respecting life.
Parental Consent Required for Elective Surgeries
The legislation will not affect elective surgeries for minors in Washington as parental consent is still required even if the bill passes.
As other states move to restrict the access of minors to gender-affirming treatments, Washington is among the states working to protect their ability to access such treatments.
Commentary
The proposed bill in Washington state has sparked a debate about the role of parents in their children’s health decisions.
Supporters argue that the bill ensures the safety and well-being of trans youth who may face rejection and hostility from their families.
On the other hand, opponents view the bill as a threat to the foundational relationship between parents and their children.
The bill further raises questions about who has the right to make health decisions for minors and whether it is ethical to withhold information from parents regarding their children’s health.
As this issue continues to be debated across the country, it is essential to strike a balance between protecting minors’ health rights and upholding the family’s importance in society.
