Fox’s first appearance – A group of Republican attorneys general is warning Maine of a proposed bill that would effectively establish the state as a sanctuary state for procedures such as gender reassignment surgery for minors – a move that could be called “totalitarian”. ” the AGs claim. ”
The bill, known as LD 227, would prohibit “interference” with abortion and gender reassignment procedures, provide legal protection for health care providers from lawsuits, and provide legal protection against medical records from plaintiffs seeking legal action against health care providers. There is also a possibility that the concealment of information may be permitted. In other words, parents whose children go to Maine for sex-reassignment surgery would have no legal recourse, even if they live in a state where such surgery is illegal.
A group of 16 Tennessee attorneys general led by Jonathan Scumetti sent a letter Monday to Gov. Janet Mills, Attorney General Aaron Frey, and state legislative leadership calling the bill “state-sanctioned culture war litigation tourism.” “This is a novel initiative in the field.”
While it is “highly unusual” for a state to intervene in another state’s legislation, the AGs said LD 227’s “unique constitutional violation” merited comment.
Maine considers bill that would establish ‘legal rights’ to abortion, transgender surgeries
Maine is considering a bill that would essentially create a sanctuary state for procedures such as gender reassignment surgery on minors. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
“If Maine pursues LD 227’s constitutionally flawed approach, we will aggressively utilize every tool the Constitution provides,” the AG wrote.
Scumetti and his colleagues argue that LD227 “imposes Maine’s views on other states on hotly debated issues, such as child sex reassignment surgery,” thereby undermining the “legitimate policy choices” of each state’s citizens. They claim that it will cause damage.
The AGs said the bill’s “broad provisions are unprecedented.”
LD 227 appears to provide a liability shield for those who assist out-of-state nationals or provide illegal services. Even laws that have been upheld as constitutional by federal appeals courts also create a private right of action to seek damages against state law enforcement, prosecutors, and other officials who enforce their respective state laws. That will happen.
“In addition, LD 227 seeks to block valid orders and judgments from state courts enforcing laws upheld by federal appeals courts,” the AGs wrote.
The AGs argue that the bill, as currently drafted, violates the U.S. Constitution and ignores federalism, which allows states to self-govern according to the will of their people.
‘Gender-affirming’ treatments do not benefit young people, pediatrician group says ‘will have irreversible consequences’
Maine State Capitol in Augusta (eyecrave Productions via Getty Images)
The states’ top prosecutors have argued that the Constitution’s full faith and credit clause, and the federal law that enforces it, “enables other states to lawfully enforce their permissible laws and obtain valid sentences. “No state cause of action shall arise from the enforcement of the law.”
The AGs also wrote that the bill’s “imprudent attempts to influence or intimidate officials of other countries could result in a rapid escalation of retaliation that would tear apart our republic.”
“If a state doesn’t like another state’s regulatory regime when it comes to things like automobiles, food, and alcohol distribution, that could create a tenuous jurisdictional hook that allows for the same kind of extraterritorial bullying that LD 227 attempts. “State officials will do this, becoming embroiled in legal battles in far-flung jurisdictions and hindering their ability to focus on protecting their own citizens in accordance with duly enacted laws,” they wrote. ing.
Currently, at least 23 states restrict or ban transgender surgical procedures for minors. Advocates of the bill in Maine, including Planned Parenthood, say it would provide much-needed protections for health care workers in the state.
“This bill is fundamentally about access to health care,” Planned Parenthood spokeswoman Lisa Margulies said during a public hearing last week to consider the bill. “And to resist the devastating effects of medical restrictions enacted by other states, which are enacted for political rather than medical reasons.”
Study finds ‘dramatic’ increase in surgeries for transgender people, with number of surgeries almost tripling in three years
Under the bill, parents whose children go to Maine for sex-reassignment surgery would have no legal recourse, even if they live in a state where such surgery is illegal. (Getty Images)
Patience Crozier, director of the LGBTQ+ Legal Advocates and Advocates Association (GLAD), suggested that restrictive laws against the process in other states are “a truly horrific attack on transgender people.”
“In Maine, where reproductive and transgender health care is legal, I think this bill is extremely important to express Maine values and ensure health care providers are protected from attacks from other states.” said Crozier.
Several Republicans in Congress remain concerned about the 21-page bill. The bill is expected to hit additional hurdles before potentially reaching a floor vote in the coming weeks.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
“Maine has every right to determine what its laws are and how those laws are to be enforced. But the same right applies to all states. “No state can control another state. The totalitarian impulse to suppress dissent and oppress dissent has no place in the America we share,” the AG said in the letter. .
Maine officials did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
Fox News Digital’s Jamie Joseph contributed to this report.
