Texas State Rep. Shawn Thierry, a Democrat who represents the Houston area, advocates supporting a proposed ban on gender-affirming child care in the Lone Star State , crossing party lines to vote in favor of a bill that would restrict access to cross-sex surgeries and hormones to under-18s.
“I just don’t think this is something we can play politics with. Children are not political pawns,” Thierry said Monday on “Fox & Friends First.”
After embarking on a personal journey to learn more about the treatments nearly two years ago, she said she drew conclusions from data showing countries pushing back on gender-affirming treatments similar to those debated in her state and in the United States.
TEXAS DEMOCRATS PARTIES WITH REPUBLICANS ON BAN ON SEX-CHANGE TREATMENTS, PUBERTY-BLOCKERS FOR MINORS
Texas state Rep. Shawn Thierry (D) is aligning with Republicans to ban gender-affirming child care in the Lone Star State. (Fox & Friends First/Screenshot)
“[These countries] are reversing course, they say puberty blockers should not be the first line of treatment for children with gender dysphoria and there are very, very serious health risks in giving children cross-sex hormones” , he said.
Thierry, before his colleagues in the Texas House of Representatives, said the best practice should be to raise the legal age for such treatments to 18.
“We should also ensure that children and young people have access to quality mental health care that is in a safe and supportive environment,” he continued.
AP SHOCKED BY CLAIMS THAT TRANS KIDS ARE “PROTECTED FROM PARENTS” WITH NEW GENDER-AFFIRMING CARE LAW
Texas State Rep. Shawn Thierry (D-146) (L) takes a selfie at the Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library. ((Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images))
He told Fox News’ Ashley Strohmier that his constituents are “overwhelmingly” in favor of the bill, but crossing party lines was still risky.
“It’s unfortunate that when it comes to the health and well-being of our children, we have to play partisan politics,” he said. “I just listened to my constituents, met with stakeholders, listened to advocates and read the data and I don’t think this is something we can play politics with…”
Thierry also released a public letter Friday explaining his position, saying he believed his decision “is rooted in sound policy that supports the health, development and overall well-being of minors.”
TRANS YOUTH CLINIC PROVIDING “GENDER AFFIRMATIVE” CARE Targeted at NEW HAWLEY BILL
A transgender flag unfurled on a pole. (Getty)
Among his reasons for supporting raising the legal age for such treatments, he cited age limits on tobacco, tanning beds, tattoos and more, arguing that he could not vote against the restriction with clarity
“There have been so many parents and so many Democrats who have mailed me saying they feel the same way, but they’re just like me. You could hear my voice shaking when I was talking about the bill … there have been so many things.reaction and falls [against people who support the idea] and it shouldn’t be that way.”
The bill passed the Texas House on second reading, but still needs a third reading to move forward.
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Taylor Penley is a production assistant at Fox News.
