Gender-Affirming Care Bill Hearing
Missouri lawmakers are considering bills to expand restrictions on gender-affirming care, sparking emotional testimony at the Capitol. The proposals would broaden the state’s current law, which already bans treatment for minors and limits access for some adults. Supporters argue the bills protect individuals from irreversible decisions, while opponents, including doctors, parents, and transgender people, warn they would cause serious harm and interfere with private healthcare choices. Critics say the measures represent government overreach and would negatively impact mental health.
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Missouri Rep. Hardy Billington, left, Rep. Brian Seitz, center, and Rep. Jamie Gragg, right, talk before the House Committee on Emerging Issues hearing regarding bills restricting gender-affirming care on Monday at the Missouri State Capitol. Seitz is known around the Capitol as a fan of Superman, a character who is represented in his wardrobe.
Cole Faubert, left, and Kate Giant, right, hold hands as several witnesses take a stand to object the bills restricting gender- affirming care on Monday, Feb. 3, 2025 at the Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City. The couple sat in the front row during the hearing.
Rep. Hardy Billington, left, and Rep. Jamie Gragg, right, listen as witnesses testify during the hearing on several bills restricting gender-affirming care on Monday at the Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City. Testimonies opposing these bills continued for hours.
Ben Greene, left, and Beth Gasparovic, right, embrace after Greene’s testimony during the hearing on several bills restricting gender-affirming care on Monday at the Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City. “It’s a heavy weight to carry to get up there to convince my legislators that people like me exist. I want to do this so that the kids don’t have to,” Greene said.
Dakota Allen gives his testimony opposing bills restricting gender-affirming in front of the Missouri House Committee on Emerging Issues care on Monday at the Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City. Allen uses social media as a platform to educate others on LGBTQ+ issues and activism.
Legislators and members of the public fill the Missouri House Emerging Issues Committee during a hearing on several bills restricting gender- affirming care on Monday, Feb. 3, 2025 at the Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City. There were about eight bills related to gender discussed at the hearing.