SFHSA Condemns Texas Governor’s Anti-Transgender Actions
Statement
The San Francisco Human Services Agency (SFHSA), Family and Children's Services Division, along with our child abuse prevention partner, Safe & Sound, strongly condemn the anti-transgender actions of Texas Governor Greg Abbott.
SFHSA Family and Children's Services (FCS) responds to reports of suspected child abuse, neglect, or exploitation. We do not believe that gender-affirming care for transgender children constitutes child abuse; rather, it is a demonstration of love and acceptance. Equating gender-affirming care with child abuse is a direct assault on the purpose of child protection laws and gender affirming youth and diverts child protection resources from legitimate reports of suspected child abuse, thereby endangering children. Texas’ action will require doctors, nurses, teachers, and other adults who have contact with transgender children to report purported “abuse” to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services or face possible criminal penalties.
SFHSA and Safe & Sound both remain committed to supporting and protecting children and families in our community. We believe that this proposed action sets a very dangerous precedent for child welfare agencies and providers going forward. It further demoralizes the acceptance and affirmation of gender affirming youth. We urge The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) to reject Governor Abbot’s proposal and for child welfare organizations to stand united in support of the trans community.