Y’all,
This session is moving FAST. So far, we’ve seen the same amount of big bills that most legislatures see all session, and we’re only coming into week 4.
As a Democrat in District 44, I want you to be empowered to be engaged, so I will send out updates and ways for you to be informed so you can get involved because the antidote to despair is ACTION!
There is a lot of misinformation traveling around via different avenues about gender-affirming care and children.
One of the biggest myths is that children are getting surgery, which is FALSE.
MOST gender-affirming care for children is social and doesn’t even involve medicine.
Still, we must fight back against these overreaches in government and the attacks on our children!
What exactly does HB 1421 do?
Authorizes court of the state to enter, modify, or child custody determination under specified circumstances; prohibits persons & entities from expending funds for reimbursement for specified clinical interventions; prohibits person’s biological sex from being changed on the birth certificate; prohibits gender clinical interventions for minors; authorizes certain persons to refuse to participate in gender clinical interventions; prohibits health insurance policy & health maintenance contract from providing coverage for gender clinical interventions; provides physician liability & authorizes the award of specified damages, fees, & costs.
Why do we need to take action now?
The bill goes through the House and Senate committee process, then onto the floor for a final vote in the State House and Senate. Governor Ron DeSantis will sign this bill if it passes his desk. This bill goes against the will of Florida voters, doctors, and the transgender youth who know this bill will only lead to an increase in the mental health crisis in Florida. If enacted, It would take effect on July 1st of this year.
In Florida, kids and parents want their family members and themselves to get the proper gender-affirming care. This is imperative for the young transgender community to feel safe/comfortable not only in their state but in their bodies. Unfortunately, this bill will worsen the youth mental health crisis as people will have to live with a negative stigma and a gender that is not theirs.
We must organize a large-scale, coalition-based, nonpartisan resistance to stop this dangerous bill.
When is the Health and Human Services Committee Meeting? Monday, March 27th, 2023 at 2:00PM
k them to vote NO on HB1421 and instead pursue voting for real people and their choice versus this dangerous legislation.
Contact your Representative here!:
Sample Script for Calling:
Hi Chair (Fine), my name is (your name) from (area of FL) calling in Opposition to HB1421 Gender Clinical Interventions. This bill would remove children’s and parents’ choices and force a lot of people to be uncomfortable in their state, classroom, home, and their own bodies! This bill does not help families and is only concerning a certain group’s agenda. Please Oppose this bill by voting no on this bill. I can be reached at (number/email) if you have any follow-up questions!
Sample Script for Calling:
Hi Rep (Blank), my name is (your name) from (area of FL) calling in Opposition to HB1421 Gender Clinical Interventions. This bill would remove children’s and parents’ choices and force a lot of people to be uncomfortable in their state, classroom, home, and their own bodies! This bill does not help families and only concerns a certain group’s agenda. Please Oppose this bill by voting no on this bill. I can be reached at (number/email) if you have any follow-up questions!
The Florida House voted on HB 543, which does away with the requirement to apply for a gun permit. I voted down this bill.
You can watch my floor debate here:
In the News...
Honored to join the Democratic Women's Club of Florida to discuss what is happening in Tallahassee.
I was quoted in WFTV: “I’m not asking that we ban them, I’m just asking for some simple training that people understand how to put it away safely, people understand what can be done with a gun, how it can harm somebody,” Rep. Rita Harris (D-Orlando) said
Events and more...
Yours in Service, Rita!
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