Blackburn introduces bill banning transgender procedures for minors

Tennessee GOP Sen. Marsha Blackburn introduced a bill that would ban transgender procedures for minors and allow them to sue medical professionals, hospitals, and clinics that participated in putting them on hormone drugs or transgender surgery.

Blackburn introduced on Thursday the Chloe Cole Act that would ban nationwide transgender surgical procedures, puberty blockers, and cross-sex hormones for children, The Daily Wire reported. The bill is named after detransitioner Chloe Cole, who underwent a double mastectomy at 15.

“No child should be pushed into irreversible chemical and surgical mutilation under the guise of so-called ‘gender-affirming care,’” Blackburn told the news outlet. “The Chloe Cole Act would put a stop to this barbaric abuse of children and give those who have suffered the consequences of these harmful procedures the chance to fight back.”

Republican Sens. Eric Schmitt of Missouri, Tim Sheehy of Montana, and Rick Scott of Florida are cosponsors of the legislation.  

Missouri GOP Rep. Bob Onder introduced the companion bill in the House. 

“As a member of Congress, a doctor, a parent, and an American, I am committed to protecting our nation’s children,” Onder said. “That’s why I am proud to introduce the Chloe Cole Act, a landmark bill that will put a permanent stop to one of the most dangerous and barbaric medical procedures in modern history.”

Earlier this month, Attorney General Pam Bondi said regarding the bill, “The Department of Justice has heard from far too many families who have been devastated by mutilative medical procedures that fly in the face of basic biology.

“While we continue our ongoing legal battle to protect children, we appreciate Senator Marsha Blackburn and Congressman Bob Onder who are working diligently alongside us to end these abusive procedures once and for all.”