Texas Gov. Greg Abbott recently called on “licensed professionals” and “members of the general public” to report the parents of transgender minors to state authorities if it appears the minors are receiving gender-affirming medical care, ruffling the feathers of a Hawaiian political leader.
"It is wrong to restrict freedoms based on what we look like, where we’re from or how we identify,” U.S. Rep. Kaiali'i Kahele (D-H) tweeted in response. “As a parent, I understand the importance of supporting our children as they grow into their most authentic selves. #ProtectTransKids.”
NBC News reported that Abbott has asked health care workers and ordinary residents to report instances of when minors receive gender transition care — including such things as puberty blockers, hormone therapy or surgery. He voiced his desire for such reportage after Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said in an opinion on social media that such procedures qualify as child abuse under the law in the state of Texas.
While the governor and Paxton have made their feelings known, it is unclear whether they can force employees at the Department of Family and Protective Services, as well as other state agencies, to investigate any claims of child abuse against the parents of transgender children.
Various district attorneys released a joint response condemning Abbott’s request.