Washington’s Democratic Governor Jay Inslee is facing a lawsuit initiated by the nonprofit legal group, American First Legal.
The group, spearheaded by former Trump adviser Stephen Miller, is challenging the enforcement of Senate Bill 5599. This legislation, recently signed into law by Governor Inslee, permits the state to withhold information from parents about their child’s sex-change surgeries. The bill, advocated for by progressive legislators, is framed as a protective measure for trans-identifying youth. It grants “host homes” the authority to keep parents uninformed about their child’s gender transition procedures.
American First Legal argues that this law encourages minors, who may have disagreements with their parents regarding “gender-affirming care,” to flee to shelters or host homes. Miller expressed deep concerns about the legislation, stating, “This law is a stark example of the dangers posed to our children.” He further elaborated on the gravity of the situation, emphasizing that the law essentially permits the state to conceal children from their parents to undergo significant medical procedures, potentially without parental consent or knowledge.
/3 The recently signed legislation creates a dangerous incentive for minors who disagree with their parents on “gender-affirming care” to run away to a shelter or host home. The new law takes away a requirement of notice to parents.
Read about it in our complaint: pic.twitter.com/Jr0kqSa6je
— America First Legal (@America1stLegal) August 16, 2023
The legislation also stipulates that shelters or “host homes” are not obligated to inform parents if a child runs away due to parental disapproval of a sex-change procedure or abortion. Instead, these homes are required to report to the Washington Department of Children, Youth, and Families. Additionally, the bill recognizes abortion as a valid reason for shelters and host homes not to notify parents if a child seeks such a procedure.
State Senator Marko Liias, a Democrat and co-chair of the LGBTQ caucus, sponsored the bill. He defended the legislation, stating that it underscores the state’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all children, especially those who might not find acceptance at home.
Upon signing the bill, Governor Inslee described it as a compassionate approach to support youth in their pursuit of gender-affirming treatment and reproductive health services.
The lawsuit also names Washington Attorney General Robert Furguson and Ross Hunter, the secretary of the Washington Department of Children, Youth, and Families. American First Legal contends that the new law infringes upon the constitutional rights of parents to guide the upbringing of their children. Miller reiterated the organization’s dedication to defending parental rights and opposing the “gender-affirming care” agenda.
