Proposed Bill Could Restrict Rights Of Parents Of Trans Children In Florida Child Custody Cases

Parents of trans children in Florida have found themselves in the midst of political turmoil lately. Local leaders, backed by anti-LGBTQ advocates, have fought to place numerous restrictions on how trans children are treated at school, at doctor’s offices, and now, even at home. A proposed bill could have major impacts on child custody cases throughout the state.

Senate Bill Could Impact Trans Children And Their Families

A Tampa News Channel 8 report claims that child custody has now become a hot issue among politicians and others generally opposed to LGBTQ rights in Florida. The March 2023 report explains some of the drastic measures included under the recently proposed Senate Bill 254, which specifically addresses gender-affirming care for trans children.

The bill is one of several recent actions designed to limit the rights of trans children and their families. These have sought to penalize medical providers who offer gender-affirming services and make it more difficult for trans children to feel comfortable in schools. Now, with the proposed legislation, parents could potentially face loss of custody for trying to get their children the help they need and deserve.

Senate Bill 254, which was filed by Florida Senators Clay Yarborough (R-Nassau) and Keith Perry (R-Marion), would give courts sweeping power in penalizing parents who either facilitate or ‘subject’ their children to gender-affirming care. This includes:

• Obtaining counseling for trans children;
• Enabling them to receive treatment designed to delay puberty;
• Allowing them to get hormone replacement therapy, which encourages male or female sex characteristics;
• Taking other actions deemed under the bill to endanger the child by creating ‘gender dysphoria’.

How New Legislation Could Impact Child Custody In Tampa

There are numerous developments across the state that could have serious impacts on trans children and their families, but Senate Bill 254 poses some of the biggest risks.

If passed, it would allow the state to issue a warrant in cases where parents have sought gender-affirming care for their children. This warrant would allow the court to physically remove trans children from their homes and take custody of them temporarily. In addition to the obvious impacts on families, this would deprive trans children of their biggest support system.

The new bill could end up being a major factor in Tampa child custody cases. If you helped your child obtain gender-affirming services in the past, you could face:

• Exclusion from parenting plans currently being created;
• Temporary suspension of any existing child time-sharing arrangements in place;
• Loss of rights when it comes to visitation with your child or making legal decisions on their behalf.

Request A Consultation With Our Tampa Child Custody Attorneys

If you are the parent of a trans child, reach out to Bubley & Bubley, P.A. We act as a strong legal ally on your side and can help protect the rights of both you and your child in Florida child custody proceedings. To request a consultation, call or contact our Tampa child custody lawyer today.

Sources:

wfla.com/news/politics/parents-seeking-treatments-for-trans-kids-could-lose-custody-of-child-under-new-florida-bill/

flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2023/254