“Minors, having not yet reached the necessary emotional, cognitive, and physical maturity, are particularly vulnerable to making decisions that can have irreversible consequences.”
Puerto Rico has banned sex change surgeries for those under the age of 21 and blocked public funds from being used for such purposes.
Governor of the US island territory, Jenniffer González-Colón, signed the bill into law on Wednesday. The bill would see fines of $50,000 per violation issued to healthcare professionals who provide hormone therapy or sex change surgeries, as well as 15 years in prison and the revocation of licenses and permits, per NBC News.
The law states, "Minors, having not yet reached the necessary emotional, cognitive, and physical maturity, are particularly vulnerable to making decisions that can have irreversible consequences. Therefore, it is the State's duty to ensure their comprehensive well-being."
Puerto Rico’s LGBTQ+ Federation has said that it will challenge the law, which is set to take effect in October, in court, per The Hill.
"Let there be no doubt: We will go to court to challenge the constitutionality of the governor’s cruel and inhumane signing of a law that criminalizes health professionals for caring for trans minors," Justin Jesús Santiago, the federation’s co-director, said in a statement.
Federation president Pedro Julio Serrano said, "What a shame! With her actions, [Jenniffer] González declares herself the most anti-equity governor in history."
Bill author and Puerto Rican Senate President Thomas Rivera Schatz celebrated the bill’s signing, saying, "The protection of our children and the well-being of all minors is fundamental and non-negotiable!"
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