Minnesota Senate Bill SF4017

Minnesota 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/20/24
• Refer: 2/20/24

Caption

Interscholastic athletic team designation based on the sex of the participants; certain health care providers prohibited from engaging in conduct relating to gender reassignment surgery and gender transitions; medical assistance coverage for gender transition services for minors prohibition; limitations on custody and parenting time based on denial of gender transition services probation; Intercollegiate athletic team designation based on the sex of the participants

Impact

The bill has significant implications for state laws concerning both athletic participation and healthcare. By preventing youth from receiving gender transition-related services, it establishes a legal framework that limits the treatment options available to minors experiencing gender dysphoria. This restriction is particularly contentious, as it could affect the mental health of minors requiring such interventions. The bill attempts to ensure that parental rights regarding their children's participation in gender transition services are protected, while simultaneously imposing restrictions on what healthcare providers may offer.

Summary

SF4017 is a bill aimed at defining the designation of interscholastic athletic teams based on the sex of participants and prohibiting certain healthcare practices related to gender reassignment for minors. The bill mandates that schools must designate athletic teams as either male or female, thereby ensuring that individuals born male cannot compete on teams designated for females. Furthermore, it introduces a provision allowing participants deprived of athletic opportunities due to violations of this law to pursue legal actions for damages against involved entities.

Contention

The discussions surrounding SF4017 have been polarized. Proponents of the bill argue that it is essential for maintaining the integrity of women's sports and protecting minors. They suggest that allowing minors to transition may lead to irreversible consequences that they might regret later. Conversely, opponents argue that SF4017 undermines the rights of transgender minors and infringes upon their access to necessary medical care. Critics warn that the absence of access to gender transition services could exacerbate mental health issues among affected individuals, creating a more significant societal concern around the well-being of transgender youth.