TRANSGENDER BILL: Framing is slanted

“Legislature passes bill to force teachers, doctors to out transgender minors to their parents”. I find the slant on this title interesting. Teachers and medical professionals are also “forced” to report cases of suspected child abuse. 

As a former teacher, I can tell you that this is a heavy responsibility, but a necessary one for the welfare of children in our care. I see these two directives as equivalent, but one is being presented in a negative light by the press. 

Would it be better if people were compelled to keep these things secret — as in some states? There have been too many stories about children harming themselves when, if their mental health issues had been brought to their parents’ attention, proper treatment could have been sought. 

The assumption that all parents are bad and would mistreat children if gender issues were disclosed is invalid and only serves a political goal, not the goal of wellbeing of vulnerable children.

CRISTINA GINORIO

Coeur d’Alene