ProGeorgia Statement on Passage of SB 140

Yesterday, Georgia became the sixth state in 48 hours to sign into law legislation that bans gender-affirming care for trans kids, placing in jeopardy the mental and physical well-being of children across the state. Recent polling found that 66% of likely 2024 voters, including 59% of Republicans, opposed SB 140, with 58% strongly opposed to it. 

Policymakers blatantly ignored the will of the people, choosing instead to create critical barriers to care and penalizing medical providers who seek to serve the interests of trans youth and their families. We should not have to fight to guarantee quality healthcare for any Georgia resident. Yet, here we are, once again, trying to safeguard fundamental rights of personhood and personal choice that should be guaranteed to all people, especially those most vulnerable among us.

We are saddened and disheartened by SB 140 becoming law, but we remain undeterred in our quest for justice, equity, and equality. This decision underscores the necessity of our work and makes us determined to fight even harder to secure access to the ballot box. Leadership matters and elections have consequences. If we want our laws and policies to truly reflect the vibrant diversity of this state, we must double down on our efforts to create a truly representative democracy that works for all Georgians across the state. 

ProGeorgia stands in solidarity with Georgia Equality and our partners on the front lines advocating for the interests of LGBTQ+ youth. As our table partners continue to strategize around ways to best support trans youth and their families, we will support them and this movement - now and in the future. 

Times like these are when coalitions matter most. We are here with you. We are here for you; and we will not give up or give in.