Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer has signed an executive order protecting transgender individuals as they are shared with out-of-state authorities seeking to indict gender-affirming care.
Meyer signature Last Friday, an order was made at the Camp Rehoboth Community Center, surrounded by LGBTQ advocates and activists.
The order prohibits state agencies in Delaware from collaborating with out-of-state investigations targeting those who provide, receive or support legitimate gender maintenance care, such as hormone therapy and adolescent blockers. It also prohibits agents from sharing medical records, claim data, or personal information about those involved in such care.
Delaware agents are also prohibited from using state resources to assist with criminal or private investigations targeting people who obtain or support gender maintenance care acquisition. Similarly, the order prohibits compliance with out-of-state subpoena seeking information about such treatment unless the individual provides written consent.
Meyer’s order also directs Delaware officials to reject extradition requests from states that criminalize gender-affirming care for minors. Additionally, it prohibits disciplinary action of healthcare providers in order to provide or share information about legal treatments in Delaware.
“Nationwide, people are being punished for seeking or providing gender-affirming care,” the governor said in a statement. “In Delaware, we value privacy, dignity and the right to make personal medical decisions. Everyone deserves the freedom to access healthcare rooted in science and compassion.”
Meyer’s executive order supports the recent US Supreme Court’s support of a ban on gender maintenance care in Tennessee. The other 24 states have similar laws regarding books.
Meanwhile, 14 other states and Washington, DC have “shield” or “sanctuary” laws similar to Meyer’s orders, allowing individuals to travel to those jurisdictions without fear of prosecution.
New Jersey and Arizona, like Delaware, have the executive order of a “shield” to protect medical information, although future governors could withdraw them. Arizona remains legal for hormone therapy, but also prohibits surgical intervention in minors.
Rep. Deschannair (D-Elsmere), who previously sought a Shield Act in Delaware; praise Meyer’s executive order at last Friday’s signature ceremony.
“I would like to thank Governor Meyer for keeping his actions today and his 20 years of commitment to all his daughter and all the families that this fight helped me,” Neal said. “I have fought and fought for gender-affirming care that is protected. When this executive order came up, I knew that my daughter and all the trans people who deserved dignity, respect and care had finally been fulfilled.”
Members of Delaware’s newly formed LGBTQ+ committee were created by former governor Bethany Hall Ron and supported Meyer’s orders. The committee was tasked with fighting anti-LGBTQ discrimination and held its first meeting shortly after the signing ceremony.
“Transgender Delawarians and people traveling here for care have a little easier to breathe,” said Cora Castle, chairman of the Delaware LGBTQ+ Committee. “This executive order reflects what science and healthcare experts have been saying for many years. Gender-maintaining care saves lives. It shows what happens when people with living experiences are trusted to shape policies. We are leading both in empathy and evidence.
Source: Metro Weekly – www.metroweekly.com
