Lewis County commissioners are speaking out against a bill in the state Legislature that would allow children between the ages of 13 and 18 to stay at youth shelters without their parents’ knowledge while seeking “services related to gender dysphoria and gender transitioning” and other protected health services, according to a news release from the county, which cited prior opposition by Sen. John Braun, R-Centralia.
The commissioners are launching a public information campaign against Senate Bill 5599 and its counterpart in the House, according to the release. All three elected commissioners expressed concerns during a Tuesday meeting of the commission.
The House version of the bill is set for a hearing in the Committee on Human Services, Youth and Early Learning at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 22. It passed through the Senate on a 27-19 vote
Lewis County Commissioner Sean Swope called the legislation “outrageous,” “evil” and “the worst of the legislative session” in the news release from the county. He said it “abrogates parental rights.”
“It’s a massive overstep of government, which should not be getting in the way of parental rights,” Swope said in the release. “They need to support the nuclear family — what can we do to assist and strengthen families, not rip them apart.”
Lewis County Commissioner Lindsey Pollock added, “The state has amply demonstrated that it is an unfit parent.”
Calling the legislation harmful, Commissioner Scott Brummer said the legislation has been disguised under the title of protecting youth.
“Sadly this bill doesn’t protect rights. It takes them away from parents and legal guardians while promoting gender reassignment and abortion,” Brummer said. “We must see this for what it is: an assault on the family, parental rights and our children. I encourage the people of Lewis County to have your voice heard by testifying against this legislation.”
Braun previously spoke out against the legislation in a statement last week.
“If it becomes law, this bill would disenfranchise loving parents who deserve to have a say in the care of their teenage children,” Braun said. “SB 5599 would cause harm by driving a wedge between vulnerable kids and their parents, at a time when a teen lacks the perception and judgment to make critical life-altering decisions.”
Joining Sen. Braun in opposition to the Senate bill was 19th District Sen. Jeff Wilson. R-Longview, according to the county.
In the release, county commissioners encouraged citizens to reach out to state lawmakers.
Details on the bill can be found at https://bit.ly/3FJLl6S.
