1. United States
2. Texas
3. Letter

I urge you to oppose HB1106, which seeks to narrowly define child abuse and neglect in a way that disregards scientific consensus on gender identity and expression in children and adolescents. Rejecting a child's gender identity and failing to provide affirmation and appropriate support can be extremely harmful and psychologically damaging. Major medical associations agree that denying a child's core identity amounts to child abuse. HB1106 would enable this form of abuse by implicitly excluding gender affirmation from the definition of neglect. Our laws should protect all children and follow evidence-based best practices, not legislate ideological viewpoints that reject mainstream science on LGBTQ+ youth. I ask that you stand up for Texas children by voting against this regressive bill.