US territory bans trans surgery for minors
Puerto Rico has enacted a new law banning sex change surgery and hormone therapy for individuals under 21, setting a higher age limit than any similar legislation across the US. This aligns with the gender-related policies pursued by the federal government.
Signed on Wednesday, the law introduces harsh penalties, including up to 15 years in prison and fines of up to $50,000, for those found guilty of performing surgery or providing hormone replacement therapy to minors and young adults. It also mandates the revocation of all licenses and permits of medical personnel involved. The law also prohibits the use of public funds for these treatments.
“Minors, having not yet reached the necessary emotional, cognitive, and physical maturity, are particularly vulnerable to making decisions that can have irreversible consequences,” the legislation, set to take effect in October, states.
Puerto Rico’s LGBTQ+ Federation has condemned the measure as discriminatory and dangerous, warning it will further isolate trans youth and potentially drive them to seek unregulated or unsafe alternatives. Director Justin Jesus Santiago has vowed to challenge the law’s constitutionality in court, arguing it contradicts Puerto Rico’s constitution.
US President Donald Trump made gender-related issues a central theme of his campaign last year. Since taking office, he has issued executive orders asserting the government policy that “there are only two genders – male and female.”
These orders roll back protections for transgender rights, as well as diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. They end federal support for medical procedures related to sex change for minors, eliminate “radical gender ideology” from the US Armed Forces, and bar trans women from competing in women’s sports.
Trump’s approach has drawn criticism from civil rights and LGBTQ advocacy groups. Several directives have faced legal challenges, with federal judges blocking some orders.
Puerto Rico’s law stands out among dozens of similar measures passed in around half of the states. While most laws apply to individuals under 18, Puerto Rico raises the age limit to 21, making it the strictest legislation currently in effect in any US jurisdiction.
