The garage doors of State Senator Mike Kennedy (R-UT) were recently vandalized with angry words, possibly because he sponsored a bill that has caused uproar among the transgender community in Utah.
It says, “Fash,” for “fascist,” and the message, “These trannies bash back,” the painting on the second door extended beyond it and onto the pavement underneath.
Utah’s SB16, which was enacted in January, creates significant obstacles for doctors who provide puberty blockers and gender reassignment surgeries to minors. Starting from January 2024, healthcare providers are required to receive extra training from government-approved organizations and follow new sets of standards while practicing medicine.
Utah state Sen. Mike Kennedy ‘s home vandalized after sponsoring transgender bill https://t.co/3TYWfwQja1 pic.twitter.com/eN76nh29m0
— New York Post (@nypost) April 22, 2023
Physicians are obligated to provide treatment for gender dysphoria to patients for a minimum of six months and explore other treatment options before considering gender reassignment surgery. Prior to initiating hormonal therapy, they must inform both the patient and, if not legally emancipated, their guardians about the potential risks and expected outcomes. Additionally, patients must undergo mental health evaluations by a third-party before proceeding with this contentious treatment. Finally, parental consent is required for gender reassignment surgery.
Similar legislation has been passed by at least 11 other states. LGBTQ+ advocates argue that “gender-affirming care” is crucial to the mental well-being of transgender individuals and regard these measures as discriminatory and oppressive. However, Equality Utah, a local advocacy group, condemned the vandalism against the senator, emphasizing that violence does not advance their cause.
Conservatives view recent developments as a victory, but The New York Times notes that the issue is more complex than the Left portrays it. Teenagers may be influenced by social pressures and temporary phases, which complicates diagnosis and treatment. Many patients also suffer from comorbidities such as autism, attention-deficit disorder, anxiety, and depression.
Senator Kennedy shared a photo of the vandalism on his Facebook page and vowed not to be intimidated by such cowardly actions. He added that he would not back down.
