Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R) has prioritized tackling transgenderism as a part of her agenda. Greene’s main method of combating this issue has been the introduction of the Protect Children’s Innocence Act. However, the bill seems to be stuck in some limbo.
First, the bill bans practices that are considered part of gender-affirming care. It criminalizes genital mutilation and chemical castration of minors for up to 10 years of prison time.
It criminalizes the administration of puberty blockers and cross-sex change hormone treatments for minors. The bill also prevents these treatments for those who claim mental illness.
The bill also goes out of its way to define some of these terms. For example, chemical castration and genital mutilation are given definitions for legal clarity.
The bill does allow limited exceptions for minors with rare genetic conditions or medical emergencies. Doctor’s approval is required, though.
Greene commented on why this bill is so important. “Left-wing activists and medical institutions are targeting America’s children with dangerous drugs, disfiguring surgeries, and permanent sterilization.”
Greene continued, “My bill stops the mutilation of kids and holds those responsible for performing or facilitating these barbaric procedures accountable.”
Second, the bill was introduced back in 2022. It got stuck in the committee process and never made it to the floor.
The same thing happened in 2023 and 2024, and now the bill has been reintroduced. Greene frequently advertises the bill on X trying to rally support for its passage.
The bill has been rebranded to fit the current agenda. When it was first introduced, it was framed as an attempt to push back on Biden’s policy.
Now, Greene advertises the bill as a way to codify another of Trump’s executive orders. It is now thoroughly attached to the MAGA agenda.
The bill was last reported to be in the House Judiciary Committee for the mark-up process. With a Republican majority in Congress, one would expect to see this bill on the floor.
However, things don’t always go to plan and the bill may yet encounter more difficulties.
