Montana Governor Defends Removal of Teen from Parents Over Gender Transition Dispute

Despite Montana's laws against minor gender transition, the state circumvents these by moving the teen to Wyoming, sparking controversy and a legal battle.

Montana's Governor Greg Gianforte defends the state's decision to remove a 14-year-old girl from her parents' custody after they opposed her gender transition.
The girl, who identifies as a boy named Leo, was initially taken to a Wyoming facility where her parents were unable to contact her directly.
Despite Montana's laws prohibiting gender transition for minors, the state circumvented these laws by moving the girl to Wyoming where such procedures are legal without parental consent.
The girl was later returned to Montana and placed in a group home, with plans to send her to live with her biological mother in Canada, who has allegedly not been a part of her life.
Krista and Todd Kolstad, the girl's parents, have been held in contempt of court for speaking out against the state's handling of the situation but vow to continue their fight.