At a moment in American history when billionaires are the only minority that reliably receives federal protections, the legislative body of the government remains steadfast in its demonization of trans individuals. Introduced by Rep. Tim Walberg (R-MI-5) of Obama-era birther conspiracy fame, House Bill 2616, dubbed the “Parental Rights Over The Education and Care of Their Kids Act” or the “PROTECT Kids Act,” has made its way through the House and has been received by the Senate.
If passed into law the bill would “require public elementary and middle schools…to obtain parental consent before changing a minor’s gender markers, pronouns, or preferred name on any school form or sex-based accommodations, including locker rooms or bathrooms. ” If they fail to comply, they risk losing federal funding.
Aside from the fact that this bill would legally require schools to out trans students to potentially unaccepting parents, thus placing the child in danger at home, Section 3 of H.R. 2616 tries to sneak in an amendment to Section 8526 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7906). This amendment would prohibit the use of federal funds “to teach or advance concepts related to gender ideology.” It would prohibit the wholesale discussion of the concept of gender, or “radical gender ideology” as the right deems it, and therein lies the truth of the bill’s intent: it has never been about the protection of children, just the eradication of any mention of the existence of transgender or gender-nonconforming people.
A common tactic from the conservative playbook, scapegoating queer people is commonplace by the right wing, especially the MAGA devout.. The LGBTQ+ community is labeled as dangerous to children, while fear mongers have been found to abuse children like those they claim to protect.