Tennessee Approves Bill Criminalizing Assistance in Minors' Gender Transition Without Parental Consent

The new legislation, set to be signed by Governor Bill Lee, targets adults aiding minors in gender-affirming procedures without parental approval.

The Tennessee Statehouse has passed a bill allowing civil and criminal actions against adults who assist minors in obtaining gender-affirming care without parental consent.
Governor Bill Lee, who has previously signed similar legislation, is expected to approve the bill, making it one of the strictest of its kind in the nation.
The bill's proponents argue it protects parental rights, while opponents warn it could have wide-reaching implications for LGBTQ+ rights.
Legal challenges are anticipated as the bill mirrors language from recent anti-abortion legislation also approved in Tennessee.
The legislation is part of a broader trend in several states imposing restrictions on gender-affirming care for minors.