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NACC Statement Opposing Efforts to Redefine Child Abuse to Include Gender Affirming Care

Wednesday February 23, 2022

The National Association of Counsel for Children strongly opposes any efforts to change the definition of of child abuse to include “gender affirming care” as referenced by the Texas Attorney General’s non-binding opinion and Governor Abbott’s letter instructing the Commissioner of the Department of Family and Protective Services to investigate any such accusations.

These attempts to change the definition of child abuse in Texas do not create new law and are not legally binding. Instead, these so-called directives shamefully play politics with the health, safety, and wellbeing of transgender youth.

As an organization committed to advancing the rights, well-being, and opportunities of youth in child protection proceedings, we urge Texas leadership to reject attempts to use child abuse designations meant to shield children as swords that hold great potential to harm children.

This position aligns with our Policy Agenda and previous letter opposing Texas S.B. 1646.

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