LGBTQ advocacy groups and major medical associates claim such treatments are appropriate for those suffering from “,” or the psychological distress from their gender identity and assigned sex at birth not matching, according to the American Psychiatric Association.
Equality Utah, the state’s leading LGBTQ advocacy group, condemned the vandalism in a statement, noting that it did not know who defaced the state lawmaker’s home, but believed it was related to SB 16. “To the extent this, or any other act of violence or vandalism against our public officials, is related to LGBTQ advocacy, we want to make it clear that Equality Utah condemns these tactics in the absolute strongest terms,” the group said.
Kennedy sponsored SB 16, which banned treatments such as gender-affirming surgery and puberty blockers for underage youths.“These heinous acts do not help LGBTQ Utahns. They do not advance a climate of equality,” Equality Utah added.