The U.S. House of Representatives narrowly approved legislation that would criminalize gender transition–related medical care for minors, including surgeries and hormone treatments. The bill passed 216–211 largely along party lines and would impose penalties of up to ten years in federal prison for medical providers who offer such care.
Civil rights groups condemned the proposal as one of the most extreme anti-transgender measures ever advanced in Congress. While the bill faces long odds in the Senate without bipartisan support, its passage reflects the priorities of hardline conservatives in the House and aligns with President Donald Trump’s stated opposition to gender-affirming care for minors.
Republican Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene played a key role in pushing the legislation to a vote, pressuring House Speaker Mike Johnson to bring it to the floor. Greene framed the bill as an effort to codify Trump’s executive order on the issue, arguing that Congress must act to permanently restrict these medical treatments.
Supporters claimed the bill protects children from harm and ideological influence, while Democrats argued it replaces medical judgment with political ideology. Critics warned it would criminalize doctors, interfere with parental decision-making, and target a small, vulnerable population. The vote highlighted deep divisions in Congress as further legislation on gender-affirming care remains under consideration.
