Washington passes “shield law” to protect people from out-of-state seeking gender-affirming care

Rally to Protect Trans Health, at the White House, Washington, DC USA
Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Legislators in Washington have passed a “shield law” to make the state a sanctuary for people seeking gender-affirming care and abortions.

H.B. 1469 prohibits Washington legal authorities from cooperating with out-of-state subpoenas, court orders, warrants, and extradition requests regarding gender and reproductive health care. The law protects both state residents as well as those from other states who come to Washington to obtain health care.

“The purpose of this bill is to ensure that those seeking care or those providing care for reproductive and gender-affirming care under the laws of our state are shielded from liability,” said state Sen. Yasmin Trudeau (D), during a speech on the state senate floor. “Washington voters and this legislature have been very clear on this issue — we support the right to that access, we also support anyone who comes into this state to receive that access.”

State Rep. Drew Hansen (D), who introduced the bill, stated after the bill passed the state house, “If…

Read full story, and more, from Source: Washington passes “shield law” to protect people from out-of-state seeking gender-affirming care