New York Joins A Growing Number Of States In Becoming A “Haven” For Child Sex Changes

What’s happening: Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul of New York has enacted legislation establishing the state as a "safe haven" for minors seeking medical treatments related to gender transition. New York joins 11 other states and Washington, D.C., which have comparable "safe haven" or "shield" laws.

Why it matters: In response to an increasing number of states—currently 20—prohibiting sex-change treatments for minors, the legislation invites children from other states to obtain such treatments in New York. The law ensures legal protection for parents and physicians administering these treatments to minors. The law also stipulates that all laws, rules, regulations, or resolutions must employ gender-neutral pronouns like 'they,' 'them,' and 'theirs.’

Legal battle: Some conservative states face legal troubles with bans on child sex changes. A federal judge on Tuesday struck down an Arkansas law intended to prohibit transition-related medical care for transgender minors, deeming it unconstitutional. The judge referred to the activist stance arguing such treatments are necessary for minors' well-being, a claim that has been discredited.

The tide is changing: Despite progressive states like California and New York enshrining the battle over child sex changes, 57 percent of Americans believe gender is biological. Nearly 70 percent also believe that athletes should compete with those of the same biological sex rather than having biological males dominating women's sports. Both of these recent polls are significant increases in sentiment.