New legislation in Virginia could have considerable penalties for parents who do not “affirm” their child’s gender identity.
Democratic Virginia state legislator, Elizabeth Guzman, is planning to re-introduce a bill that would update the definition of child abuse and neglect. Guzman claims the bill would “protect LGBTQ children from their parents and guardians who may not be affirming of their child’s sexual orientation and gender identity.
The bill would expand the state’s definition of child abuse and neglect to include parents who do not affirm their child’s gender identity or sexual orientation. When asked what the potential penalties could be, Guzman stressed there has to be an investigation first, since filing a charge could harm a parent’s employment or education. Guzman claims the bill is not a way to criminalize parents, it’s simply a way of educating them.
