The bill, LD 1735, which critics dubbed the "transgender trafficking bill," faced significant opposition from the parental rights advocacy group Courage Is a Habit and encountered resistance from some moderate Republicans. Ultimately, the bill was defeated in committee, thanks to the efforts of those who opposed it.
Despite the setback, Maine Democrats have not abandoned their efforts to promote what some perceive as an agenda to disrupt families, shield practitioners of sex-change surgeries from legal repercussions, and institutionalize gender ideology within the state. In a move that has raised concerns among critics, elements of LD 1735 have resurfaced in a new bill, LD 227, introduced by Democratic state Representative Anne Perry.
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The fate of LD 227 hangs in the balance as a state committee prepares to deliberate on its advancement. Critics have a limited window to voice their opposition before the committee's decision, which is scheduled for Thursday.
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Alvin Lui, the president of Courage Is a Habit, expressed his strong disapproval of LD 227, referring to it as "the nastiest bill I've ever seen," surpassing even the contentious legislation seen in California. Lui and other critics have labeled LD 227 as the "Transgender Trafficker Protection Act," citing provisions that prohibit interference with abortions or sex-change procedures, grant immunity to medical practitioners, and prevent parents from locating their runaway children across state lines.
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The proposed bill has drawn the ire of 16 state attorneys general, who warned Maine Governor Janet Mills in a letter dated March 11 about the potential consequences of LD 227. They cautioned that the bill could infringe upon the policy choices of other states by imposing Maine's stance on contentious issues like gender transition surgeries for minors.
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Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti and his counterparts raised concerns about LD 227's authoritarian undertones, accusing it of suppressing dissent and oppressing those who disagree with its provisions. The bill's passage could lead to a legal showdown that might ultimately involve the U.S. Supreme Court.
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While the future of LD 227 remains uncertain, Courage Is a Habit has urged Maine residents and other opponents to mobilize against the bill before it progresses further.
The decision on LD 227 lies in the hands of eight Democratic Maine lawmakers, including Senators Donna Bailey and Cameron Reny, as well as Representatives Poppy Arford, Anne Perry, Sally Cluchey, Anne-Marie Mastraccio, Kristi Michele Mathieson, and Jane Pringle. These lawmakers will play a pivotal role in determining the fate of the controversial bill.
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Critics have voiced their concerns about LD 227, highlighting its far-reaching implications. Alvin Lui criticized the bill for compelling insurance companies to cover all sex-change procedures while neglecting the healthcare needs of individuals seeking to detransition or address existing health issues before undergoing irreversible treatments. Additionally, the bill has been accused of protecting individuals facilitating transgender surgeries and impeding parents from seeking legal recourse if their children are taken across state lines for such procedures.
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Republican state Representative Laurel Libby echoed these sentiments, describing LD 227 as the most alarming piece of legislation she has encountered during her tenure in the legislature. Joel Thornton, the Chief Operating Officer and Advocacy Director for the Child and Parental Rights Campaign, condemned LD 227 for extending Maine's jurisdiction beyond its borders and potentially imposing its laws on individuals nationwide.
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The attorneys general who oppose LD 227 have criticized the bill for shielding providers of unlawful services from liability and creating obstacles for law enforcement officials enforcing valid state laws. They view the bill as an unconstitutional attempt to wage a culture war through litigation and challenge its legality under federal statutes.
In addition to legal concerns, critics have raised questions about the scientific basis of the gender-affirming care promoted in LD 227. The bill relies on guidelines from the World Professional Association for Transgender Health, despite internal concerns within the organization about the risks and lack of informed consent associated with gender-affirming procedures, especially for minors.
Blaze News sought a response from Democratic state Representative Anne Perry, the sponsor of LD 227, but did not receive a reply by the time of publication.
As the debate over LD 227 intensifies, stakeholders on both sides are gearing up for a crucial decision that could have far-reaching implications for Maine and beyond. The clash between parental rights, medical ethics, legal jurisdiction, and constitutional principles underscores the complexity of the issues at stake in this contentious legislative battle.
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