Saturday, May 27, 2023

New Florida Law Allows Courts to Take Jurisdiction Over Minors Undergoing Gender Transition Treatment

On May 17, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed Senate Bill 254 (full text) which prohibits sex reassignment prescriptions or procedures for individuals under 18 years of age. It also allows Florida courts to take jurisdiction over a child who is present in the state when the child "has been subjected to or is threatened with being subjected to sex-reassignment prescriptions or procedures," and allows a parent to seek emergency custody of a child that is being subjected to sex reassignment prescriptions or surgery.  The new law also imposes informed consent procedures for sex-reassignment prescriptions or procedures for adults. Politifact discusses the reach of the new law. (Update: It is part of a 5-bill package (see prior posting.)