SW News: President Joe Biden has stated changes to gender legislation and treatment in Florida are "close to sinful" in a recent interview. Also, he has stated that Republican attempts to obstruct transgender rights are "cruel," and that federal rules should be in place to prevent states from restricting trans rights.
"What's going on in Florida is terrible. It's not like a kid wakes up one morning and says, 'You know, I decided I want to become a man or I want to become a woman or I want to change. I mean, what are they thinking about here? They are human beings. They love. They have feelings. They have inclinations that are… it just to me, is, I don't know is, it's cruel," Biden remarked in an interview with Daily Show guest host Kal Penn.
March 16 marks the start of Florida's ban on pediatric transgender medical procedures and drugs, which was ordered by the state's Board of Medicine. Legislation outlawing transgender medical operations has also been proposed by lawmakers.
Although Biden did not specify which Florida policies he disagrees with, the state has recently taken several efforts to prevent gender-affirming child care.
Ron DeSantis, the governor of Florida and a Republican, has said new regulations are required to uphold parental rights, safeguard children, and prevent making hasty decisions that could change one's life. DeSantis is generally projected to run for president in 2024.
Governor Bill Lee of Tennessee passed new rules this week that restrict medical care for young transgender people and forbid drag shows in front of youngsters.
“The drag performance ban protects youngsters from disgusting, sexualized entertainment," according to Lee's office.
The American Civil Liberties Union estimates that at least 385 LGBT rights-related measures have been introduced across the US as of 7 March, which is more than last year's total.