Aaron DiPetro testifying in support of HB 1639

On Thursday, the Defending Biological Sex in Healthcare Act by Rep. Doug Bankson (HB 1639) was heard in the Infrastructure Strategies Committee. The bill requires any healthcare insurance providers that cover chemical and surgical gender-reassignment procedures to also cover procedures for detransitioning back to one’s biological sex. It also mandates that insurance providers must offer insurance plans that do not cover chemical and surgical transgender procedures and are forbidden from denying counseling and mental healthcare services meant to help individuals struggling with gender identity to reaffirm and embrace their biological sex. Gratefully, despite fierce opposition from the public and members, the committee passed the bill, 15-9, with GOP Rep. David Smith joining the Democrats to vote no.