Central Florida LGBTQ advocates blasted a proposed ban on gender-affirming medical procedures for patients younger than 18 during a rally Sunday, saying the prohibition would increase the risk of suicide for transgender children and teens.
Speakers denounced the proposal that would prohibit medical interventions like gender confirmation surgery, puberty blockers and hormone treatments for young Floridians who do not feel their gender identity aligns with their physical body. The Board of Medicine, which oversees licensing for the state’s doctors, is slated to discuss the rule during a meeting on Friday in Fort Lauderdale.
Advocates view the proposed ban on gender-affirming health care as the latest political attack from the DeSantis administration on the LGBTQ community. Speakers also decried recent legislation like the new prohibition on teaching primary-grade students about sexual orientation and gender identity that opponents have dubbed the “don’t say gay” law.
