U.S. Representative Rich McCormick (R-GA) recently voiced serious ethical reservations regarding gender transition procedures, focusing on the potential long-term adverse effects on children’s physical and mental health. As a countermeasure, he proposed the PROTECT Act, legislation designed to establish penalties for possession of child pornography and shield children from gender transition surgery.
In a statement to X, McCormick asserted: “The majority of America can agree that the federal government should not be funding sex change procedures for minors. Children do not have the cognitive development to make life-altering decisions. The PROTECT Act is a great first step in addressing a fundamental problem that the U.S. government should be no part of.”
McCormick’s office further clarified that the PROTECTS Act of 2024, which enjoys co-sponsorship from numerous representatives, ultimately seeks to prohibit the use of federal funds for gender transition procedures on minors. They claim that 70% of taxpayers oppose irreversible gender transition treatments for minors. The Family Research Council has also expressed support for the bill.
According to the text of the PROTECT Act, it includes provisions related to sentencing for child pornography offenses. It specifies that courts should base sentences on facts proven during trial or admitted by the defendant. Furthermore, it proposes amendments to the United States Code, altering penalties for possession of child pornography by eliminating certain paragraphs and redefining offenses. These changes encompass broader applicability of penalties for violations and ensure a more comprehensive approach to addressing and deterring child pornography offenses under federal law.
