Maine Lawmakers Approve Trans Therapy For 16-Year-Olds Without Parental Consent

A legislative proposal granting minors aged 16 and 17 in Maine the ability to access gender hormone therapy without parental consent was approved by the state House Judiciary Committee.

The bill, known as L.D. 535 and sponsored by Rep. Erin Sheehan, a Democrat from Biddeford, received support from all but one Democrat on the Judiciary Committee. The committee voted 7-1 in favor of the bill, which aims to allow minors diagnosed with gender dysphoria to receive cross-sex hormone therapy.

The legislation will now move forward for consideration by the broader legislative body in Maine.