DOVER, DE – Senator Richardson released the below statement following Wednesday’s Supreme Court decision in U.S. v. Skrmetti.
“Yesterday’s Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) decision in U.S. v. Skrmetti, upholding Tennessee’s law banning gender-affirming care for minors, is a victory for the protection of children’s health and for the role of states in safeguarding young people. By affirming that Tennessee and other states with similar laws have the authority to regulate irreversible puberty blockers and hormone treatments for minors, the Court rightly recognizes that these deeply personal and potentially life-altering medical decisions should be made with the utmost care and only when an individual is an adult capable of making such choices. I applaud this ruling and stand firmly with parents, providers, and state leaders working to ensure that minors receive appropriate care that supports their long-term well-being.
“In March, I introduced Senate Bill 55 (SB 55), known as the SAFE Act (Save Adolescents From Experimentation). SB 55 would have prohibited gender transition procedures for children due to the potential for irrevocable harm occurring when there is a significant probability that children will come to identify with their biological gender without such treatments. That bill was not released from committee.
“I had hoped that following this SCOTUS decision, lawmakers in Delaware would realize the importance of this legislation. However, shortly before the decision being publicized, Governor Matt Meyer announced he will sign an executive order that, ‘adds further protections for gender-affirming care providers and patients.’ In their press release, the governor’s office explains that the executive order, ‘aims to protect the personal data of gender-affirming care providers and patients, as well as safeguard healthcare professionals against disciplinary violations for providing this care.’
“When will Delaware leadership learn the importance of protecting children from abuse?”
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