JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – In response to Missouri Attorney General Andrew Baily’s proposed emergency rule restricting access to gender-affirming care, the ACLU of Missouri issued the following statement:
"The non-elected Attorney General is acting outside his authority in what appears to be a ban on life-saving health care that compromises the health and well-being of people across Missouri. This politician’s attempt to unilaterally legislate is both dangerous and reckless. Instead of leaving personal medical decisions to families and their doctors, politicians in Jefferson City are interfering while ignoring the dangers to transgender individuals. Missourians are tired of it.
"The real threats to trans individuals are abuse and violence, which dramatically increase the risk of depression, substance abuse, and suicide. Sadly, rather than addressing the real harm trans students face, Missouri’s General Assembly and Attorney General are using their governmental powers to erase trans existence. These actions do not protect anyone; rather, they put an already marginalized group of children in greater danger."