ALABAMA (AP) - Alabama lawmakers approved sweeping legislation Thursday to outlaw gender-affirming medications for transgender youths, as well as a separate measure setting rules about school bathrooms and prohibiting early classroom instruction on sexual and gender identity — a bill critics have dubbed "Don’t Say Gay."Download the FOX 5 DC News App for Local Breaking News and WeatherThe legislation now goes to Republican Gov.
Kay Ivey for her consideration as Alabama becomes the latest red state to seek legislation and policies aimed at trans young people.
Ivey, who is running for reelection, has not indicated whether she will sign the measures.The House of Representatives voted 66-28, largely along party lines, to grant final approval to legislation that would make it a felony for a doctor to prescribe puberty blockers or hormones to aid in the gender transition of anyone under age 19.
Violations would be punishable by up to 10 years in prison. The bill also would prohibit gender transition surgeries, although doctors told lawmakers those are generally not done on minors."It’s about protecting these minors.