Sen. Scott Wiener Faces Testimony on Transgender Procedures for Minors
During a recent assembly, California Senator Scott Wiener listened silently as a young gay man shared his distressing experiences regarding transgender procedures for minors.
Joni Skinner spoke about his early realization of being transgender and described how medical interventions, particularly puberty blockers, caused lasting harm to his body. Although Wiener exhibited no visible emotion, Skinner urged Congress to show understanding for individuals impacted by such treatments.
“SB 934 will ensure that more people like me will end up getting injured while walking,” Skinner stated. He reflected that perhaps these events could have been avoided if his therapists had delved deeper into his feelings instead of exacerbating his body image issues. He criticized the bill, suggesting it intends to mute the voices of therapists who could help prevent further damage to others like him. “Today, I want to express my sympathy for survivors like me and ask for a vote against this bill,” he concluded.
Wiener previously introduced SB934, which aims to broaden the rights of patients seeking legal recourse against healthcare providers involved in altering someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity. This hearing followed a recent Supreme Court ruling that deemed Colorado’s ban on “conversion therapy” unconstitutional based on free speech rights.
Throughout his congressional career, Wiener has put forward various measures to facilitate gender transition for minors. In July, he proposed legislation aimed at protecting parental rights concerning hormone treatments and gender reassignment for children even if other states disagree.
Additionally, he was the architect of a 2020 law signed by California Governor Gavin Newsom that eased restrictions on sex offenders under ten in relation to juvenile victims. In 2021, he expressed pride in legislation allowing transgender individuals to be housed in facilities corresponding to their gender identity, directly opposing feminist groups against such measures.
Earlier in 2019, Wiener introduced a bill aimed at eradicating discrimination against LGBTQ youth on the sex offender registry. Recently, he announced his candidacy to succeed former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who is set to retire in 2027.
