This proposed legislation HB2657 raises concerning issues regarding the rights and well-being of minors. While protecting children from abuse and neglect is crucial, expanding parental rights over a child's gender identity and healthcare decisions could infringe upon the child's autonomy and put them at risk of harm. Requiring schools to disclose a student's gender identity to parents against their wishes violates privacy and could lead to rejection or mistreatment by unsupportive families. Furthermore, prohibiting conversion therapy is a positive step, as this unethical practice has been condemned by major medical associations for causing severe psychological distress. I urge you to carefully consider the potential negative impacts of this bill on vulnerable youth. Laws should prioritize the best interests of the child, which includes respecting their identity, bodily autonomy, and right to access appropriate medical care without fear of discrimination. I encourage amendments that safeguard these fundamental rights while still empowering parents through age-appropriate inclusion in major decisions affecting their children's wellbeing. An overly broad expansion of parental authority could enable abuse and neglect under the guise of parental rights. Children's health and safety must take precedence.
