Washington, D.C. – December 18, 2025 – In a move that has ignited intense partisan and cultural divisions, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 3492 on Thursday, a bill that criminalizes certain gender-affirming medical treatments for minors. Sponsored by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), the legislation targets surgeries, puberty blockers, and cross-sex hormones, categorizing them as forms of “genital mutilation” or “chemical castration.” The bill also prohibits federal funding for these procedures and now heads to the Senate for consideration.
The vote highlighted rare cross-aisle alliances as well as fractures within both parties. Nearly all Republicans supported the measure, joined by three Democrats who broke ranks, while four Republicans voted against it. Proponents, including Greene, argue that the bill is a critical safeguard for children, protecting them from what they describe as irreversible and potentially harmful interventions. “This is about saving our kids from experimental procedures that could ruin their lives forever,” Greene said in a floor speech prior to the vote. Supporters cite concerns about long-term health risks and the influence of ideological pressures on vulnerable youth.
Opponents, however, decry the legislation as government overreach into personal and family medical decisions. They emphasize that major medical organizations, including the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics, endorse gender-affirming care as evidence-based and essential for transgender minors experiencing gender dysphoria. “This bill isn’t protection—it’s discrimination dressed up as concern,” said Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), a vocal critic. Detractors warn that criminalizing these treatments could drive families underground, increase suicide risks among transgender youth, and infringe on parental rights.
The bill’s passage comes amid a broader national debate over transgender rights, with several states already enacting similar restrictions. If approved by the Senate—where Democrats hold a slim majority—the measure could face a presidential veto, depending on the administration’s stance. Advocacy groups on both sides have mobilized, with organizations such as GLAAD condemning the vote and conservative groups like the Family Research Council hailing it as a victory.
As the debate shifts to the upper chamber, senators from both parties are expected to propose amendments that could either soften or strengthen the bill’s language. The outcome could significantly reshape healthcare access for transgender minors nationwide, underscoring the ongoing clash between child welfare advocates and civil rights proponents.
