The LGBTQ discriminatory bills you’re signing originate from national organizations that aim to harm LGBTQ people. Unfortunately, you’ve bought into their divisive, harmful, and sometimes unconstitutional agendas. I suspect you don’t personally know or have interacted with LGBTQ individuals, especially young people who suffer from Gender Dysphoria. More than half of transgender and nonbinary kids have considered suicide, according to a 2021 survey by the Trevor Project, and 93 percent say they worry about state laws denying transgender people access to gender-affirming medical care. This treatment approach—which typically includes puberty blockers for pubescent children, cross-sex hormones for teenagers or adults, and surgeries almost exclusively for adults—represents a broad medical agreement that such care can be crucial for supporting trans kids’ wellbeing. The American Medical Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Psychiatric Association, the Endocrine Society, and other major medical organizations support gender-affirming care. And studies have found that it is associated with better mental health outcomes over short and longer-term periods.
I strongly urge you to educate yourself on this issue by meeting and interacting with LGBTQ adults, especially young people harmed by the discriminatory policies you promote when you sign these bills. You claim to be a man of faith, but your actions shout loud and clear that you don’t act like a Christian regarding LGBTQ rights.
I implore you to open your heart and mind and treat LGBTQ members with the Christian faith you profess. Meet these young people. Interact with them. Show some compassion and empathy and do what you can to undo the laws you have signed.
