I urge to vote NO on HB2082 when it reaches the House floor.
The "best interest of the child" ceases to be the standard if you start listing exceptions such as a parent wanting to disregard a child's gender identity. This bill sets a bad precedent. Nevertheless, there is no indication that parents who don't affirm their child's gender identity are currently somehow at a disadvantage. So there is no need for this bill.
What the state should do instead is encourage the courts to provide resources to families to promote greater understanding and support to children whatever their gender identity. The sponsor would not accept that humane idea as a friendly amendment in the Judiciary Committee on April 1. This bill should be rejected or heavily amended. It fails to address the complexity of the issues in its current form.
Thank you for considering my views.
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