Felony bill for parents, doctors of trans minors voted down by bipartisan House coalition

House Republicans and Democrats in the Montana Legislature voted Tuesday to reject a bill that would have criminalized parents and other adults who help minors under the age of 16 obtain medical treatments related to gender transition.

The move marks the second bill affecting the rights of transgender minors voted down by House lawmakers this session. Another bill regulating drag shows also failed to pass the majority-GOP chamber. 

Several other bills that restrict how transgender people navigate public spaces have advanced over the course of the current session. Bills that require strict gender segregation of public bathrooms, locker rooms and athletic participation were signed into law in late March. One of those policies has already been temporarily blocked in court.