Texas Investigates Parents Of Trans Children For ‘Child Abuse’

Texas Investigates Parents Of Trans Children For ‘Child Abuse’
Image: Texas Governor Greg Abbott

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) has begun investigating parents who are seeking gender-affirming care for their trans children. 

Texas Governor Greg Abbott had last week issued a directive to the DFPS “to conduct prompt and thorough investigations of any reported instances of Texas children being subjected to abusive gender-transitioning procedures”.

According to a petition filed by the American Civil Liberties Union, ACLU of Texas, and Lambda Legal, the authorities have already started investigating parents of trans children. 

Family Of Trans Teen Faces Investigation

ACLU filed the petition on behalf of the family of a 16-year-old trans child after an investigation was launched against their mother, an employee of DFPS, for “child abuse.” The family, which filed the lawsuit anonymously, said that an investigator had already arrived at their house. 

“No family should have to fear being torn apart because they are supporting their trans child,” Adri Pérez, policy and advocacy strategist at the ACLU of Texas, said in a statement. 

“A week before an election, Gov. Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton issued a partisan political attack that isn’t rooted in the needs of families, the evidence from doctors and the expertise from child welfare professionals. Families with trans kids in Texas have been under attack for too long. Gender-affirming health care saved my life, and other trans Texans should be able to access medically necessary, lifesaving care.”

Anti-Trans Laws

A number of US states have proposed anti-trans laws. A law passed by Arkansas to ban gender-affirming care for trans youth was blocked by a federal court. Alabama has proposed criminal prosecution of those proving gender-affirming care. Texas says that a trans child receiving gender-affirming care could be removed from their family and placed in the foster care system. 

The ACLU petition that names Abbot, has asked the court to block the DFPS “from investigating parents who work with medical professionals to provide their adolescent children with medically necessary gender-affirming care”.

 

If you feel distressed reading the story, you can reach out to support services.

For 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention call Lifeline on 13 11 14

For Australia-wide LGBTQI peer support call QLife on 1800 184 527 or webchat.

 

 

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