Lycoming News

The Senate Majority Policy Committee, led by Senator Dave Argall, will meet in Altoona on April 15 to discuss the Do No Harm Act. Senator Judy Ward has extended the invitation for this session, which will take place from 1-3 p.m. at Trolleyworks Business Park.

The proposed legislation aims to prohibit minors from undergoing irreversible gender transitioning procedures. The hearing will address various perspectives on the topic. Senator Ward expressed concern stating, “The gender related procedures at the center of this hearing are not health care and are not harmless," and emphasized the need to explore the long-term impacts such procedures have on children.

Senator Argall also spoke on the issue, expressing his reservations about the capability of minors to make decisions regarding these procedures. “It’s difficult for me to understand how we could expect children to make informed decisions about these life-changing procedures,” he noted, while also thanking Senator Ward for her efforts in spearheading the discussion around this issue.

The hearing will feature input from medical professionals, parents, and individuals who have previously transitioned and since reversed those procedures. The public has the opportunity to watch the proceedings as they will be streamed live on the Senate Majority Policy Committee’s website.

For further information, interested parties can contact Jim Brugger for Senator Argall or Nathan Akers for Senator Ward.