Florida House panel advances bill to ban gender-affirming care for minors, including those already transitioning

A Florida House panel on Wednesday approved a sweeping measure that would prohibit doctors from providing gender-affirming care to transgender minors, including children already receiving treatment such as puberty blockers or hormone therapy. The proposal (HB 1421), approved in a 12-5 vote by the House Healthcare Regulatory Subcommittee, also would ban health-insurance companies from covering gender-reassignment surgeries for transgender people. Bill sponsor Randy Fine, R-Brevard County, equated gender-affirming care for children with child abuse.