Pennsylvania Senate Advances Troubling Anti-Transgender Amendment on CHIP Reauthorization Bill

WASHINGTON - October 25, 2017  -- Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) civil rights organization reacted to the Pennsylvania State Senate's dangerous vote to advance discriminatory anti-transgender amendment to the reauthorization of the state Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Introduced by State Senator Don White, the amendment would cut transition-related surgical services for transgender youth out of the program. HB1338 passed the Senate by a 37-13 vote and now heads to the House Rules committee for final amendments.

"CHIP saves lives and should be beyond the reach of cynical lawmakers looking to score cheap political points," said HRC Senior Vice President for Policy and Political Affairs JoDee Winterhof. "This attack is dangerous and mean-spirited. The amendment puts the health and safety of children across the commonwealth at risk. Protecting children and ensuring they have equal access to healthcare is a nonpartisan issue, and we urge the House Rules committee to reject this harmful amendment."

The Children's Health Insurance Program provides crucial health care services to our nation's most vulnerable youth. It provides health coverage to nearly eight million children and families with incomes too high to qualify for Medicaid, but who can't afford private coverage.

This legislative session has brought an onslaught of anti-LGBTQ legislation in state houses across the country. This year more than 130 discriminatory bills were introduced across 30 states.