Legislation passes to protect trans youth
By Terry Murry on Thursday, April 20th, 2023 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
OLYMPIA – Legislation to protect transgender at-risk youths seeking gender-affirming or reproductive care is now headed to the governor’s desk after the Senate voted to concur with amendments made in the House of Representatives. Sen. Marko Liias (D-Everett) sponsored Senate Bill 5599 which affirms that trans youth are protected in Washington state by removing barriers to safe shelter.
This legislation gives meaningful choices to young people who may not have supportive families at home, so they do not end up on the street, but instead have shelter options when seeking this life-saving care. Under current law, licensed shelters must notify parents if a child comes into their care, unless a compelling reason applies. This legislation allows licensed shelters to contact the Department of Children, Youth and Families in lieu of parents in certain additional instances, like when a young person is seeking reproductive health services or gender-affirming care.
“We know that young people experiencing homelessness are exposed to dangerous and harmful outcomes,” Liias said. “That is why we must take every step we can to ensure their safety. This legislation ensures that our trans youth have safe options and access to secure, stable shelter when they may not be welcome at home.”
Liias said the need for SB 5599 comes as states across the country pass legislation that is seen as anti-LGBTQ. According to the American Civil Liberties Union, 452 anti-LGBTQ bills have been introduced across 45 states and 29 bills have passed in 14 states.
Furthermore, Liias acknowledged that Washington has repeatedly affirmed its commitment to the LGBTQ community by passing legislation to ensure access to gender-affirming care, ban conversion therapy, and require schools to adopt policies that protect transgender children from bullying.
