DOVER, DE — Despite compelling testimony from medical experts and detransitioners, Senate Bill 55 (SB 55) failed to clear the committee process Wednesday after the Senate Health and Social Services Committee, controlled by Democrats, refused to release the bill for consideration by the full Senate.
SB 55, also known as the Delaware Save Adolescents From Experimentation (SAFE) Act, aimed to protect children from irreversible medical procedures by prohibiting gender transition treatments for minors.
The bill’s supporters, including medical professionals and individuals who have detransitioned, provided testimony on the long-term risks and potential harm of such procedures. However, the committee opted to block the bill, disregarding their expert insights.
Senator Bryant Richardson (R-Seaford), the bill’s prime sponsor, expressed deep disappointment over the decision but affirmed his commitment to advocating for children’s well-being in Delaware.
“The challenge for this bill was to introduce overwhelming evidence about the dangers to youth who are subjected to gender transition procedures and to dispel biased and inaccurate information from those who profit from providing treatments,” Senator Richardson said. “Having the most current factual information available is crucial when it comes to deciding the best course of action for protecting the development of our youth.”
“The purpose of SB 55 was to protect vulnerable children from making life-altering medical decisions before they are mature enough to fully comprehend the risks,” Senator Richardson continued. “How do you explain the long-term risks to a 12-year-old?”
The senator noted there are facts that cannot be denied, but unfortunately failed to convince the committee members.
According to the best studies—the ones that even transgender activists themselves cite—80 to 95 percent of children with gender dysphoria will come to identify with and embrace their bodily sex.
Forty-one percent of people who identify as transgender will attempt suicide at some point in their lives, compared to 4.6 percent of the general population.
People who have had transition surgery are 19 times more likely than average to die by suicide.
“I believe the tide is turning against giving youth chemicals and surgeries, but those who profit from providing treatments will not give up easily,” said Senator Richardson.
“In just a relatively short period of time, gender dysphoria has become a widespread problem. It is spreading as a social virus and infecting the minds of young people in search of acceptance. When a child is struggling with their identity, they should not be subjected to irreversible harm from hormones and surgeries.”
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