PIERRE, S.D. (KJJQ) – The South Dakota House State House of Representatives passed a bill that would prosecute doctors who administer certain transgender treatments to minors under the age of 16.

The measure would make it a Class One Misdemeanor for South Dakota doctors to administer puberty-blocking drugs, gender-changing surgery and other gender-change treatment.

The bill’s prime sponsor is Republican Representative Fred Deutsch of Florence. Deutsch calls his measure “The Vulnerable Child Protection Act…

Republican Representative Jess Olson of Rapid City says this bill is overreach.

According to testimony, there are no transgender surgeries being performed on minors in South Dakota.

The District 7 Representatives split on the bill with Doug Post voting in favor and Tim Reed voting against it.

The bill now moves on to the Senate.

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