The SPLC Action Fund Condemns Attack on Texas Trans Youth

Montgomery, Ala. – This week, Gov. Greg Abbott issued a directive to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services to investigate gender-affirming care – such as hormone therapy, puberty blockers and surgery – as child abuse under state law. The Governor expects licensed professionals – such as doctors, nurses, and/or teachers – along with members of the general public to report these claims or face criminal penalties.

The following statement is from Scott McCoy, interim deputy legal director for the SPLC Action Fund:

“The SPLC Action Fund is appalled at Governor Greg Abbott’s despicable effort to use child abuse, a serious allegation that should never be taken lightly, as a weapon to further harm the LGBTQ community and purposely erase the existence of trans youth in Texas.

“Exploiting children to promote anti-LGBTQ fear, ignorance, and intolerance is shameful. These decisions intentionally jeopardize the physical health, mental well-being, and overall safety of transgender youth.

“Texas has plenty of legitimate issues for Gov. Abbott to address. Attempting to brand gender affirmation as child abuse is certainly not one of them. The SPLC Action Fund rejects the invasive, transphobic directives recommended by the Abbott administration and will continue working to ensure that transgender youth, their families, and supporters be treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.”