Proposed Legislation to Restrict Funding for Gender Researchers Targeting Minors
This week, Rep. Josh Brecheen, a Republican from Oklahoma, is introducing a bill that would prevent gender researchers from receiving taxpayer funding if they conduct studies that facilitate transgender sex-change attempts for minors. The proposed legislation comes in response to data obtained from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) by Brecheen's office. The data indicates that the NIH is currently providing more than $30 million in funding this year for studies involving minors who identify as transgender.
Concerns Over the Use of Taxpayer Dollars
"Americans should be outraged to learn that nearly $31 million of our taxpayer dollars are funding youth transgender studies that have even led to the suicides of two participants," Brecheen told The Daily Signal. "The researchers conducting these studies are advocates for harming minors and are using our tax dollars to prey on children and advance their far-left agenda."
The "No Taxpayer Funding for Researchers Who Prey on Children Act"
The proposed legislation, titled the "No Taxpayer Funding for Researchers Who Prey on Children Act," specifically targets researchers who participate in studies involving minors whose perception of their sex or asserted identity is incongruent with their biological sex. The bill also aims to prohibit taxpayer funding of researchers who participate in studies that assist minors in obtaining medical, surgical, or social interventions that further this disassociation from their biological sex.
Co-Sponsors of the Bill
The bill is co-sponsored by Republican Reps. Ralph Norman of South Carolina, Mary Miller of Illinois, David Rouzer of North Carolina, Andy Biggs and Paul Gosar of Arizona, Jeff Van Drew of New Jersey, Glenn Grothman of Wisconsin, Barry Moore of Alabama, and Andy Ogles of Tennessee.
Definition of Sex in the Proposed Legislation
Brecheen's legislation defines sex as the indication of male or female based solely on an individual's reproductive biology and genetics at birth, such as sex chromosomes, naturally occurring sex hormones, gonads, or internal or external genitalia, without regard to an individual's psychological, chosen, or subjective identity.
Concerns Over Federally Funded Study on Trans-Identifying Youth
The Daily Signal reported in May that lawmakers, led by Brecheen and Sen. Ted Budd, R-N.C., sent a letter to the NIH questioning a federally funded study on trans-identifying youth. Two of the study participants committed suicide, 11 experienced suicidal ideation, and the drugs participants took will likely sterilize them, the Republicans noted at the time.
NIH's Response to Lawmakers' Concerns
On Sept. 14, NIH acting Principal Deputy Director Tara Schwetz responded to the lawmakers and assured them that the NIH took the health of participants in its studies very seriously. She emphasized that researchers in the U.S. have not performed "sufficient studies" on trans-identifying children and adults.
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Legislative Changes and Their Impact on New Businesses
The proposed legislation by Rep. Josh Brecheen that seeks to ban taxpayer funding for gender researchers involved in studies facilitating transgender sex-change attempts for minors could have significant implications for new businesses. Specifically, businesses operating in the healthcare and research sectors could be affected.
Adapting to Regulatory Changes
New businesses must be prepared to adapt to regulatory changes, which could involve modifying their research practices, revising their funding strategies, or reevaluating their ethical guidelines.
The "Hot Take"
Brecheen's proposed legislation underscores the importance of regulatory awareness for new businesses. Understanding the regulatory landscape can help businesses anticipate potential changes, manage risks, and identify opportunities. While the proposed legislation may present challenges, particularly for businesses involved in gender research, it also presents opportunities for businesses to demonstrate their commitment to ethical research practices. This could involve implementing robust ethical guidelines, engaging in transparent communication with stakeholders, or exploring alternative funding sources. Ultimately, the businesses that can effectively navigate the intersection of business and regulatory issues stand to gain the most in today's complex business environment.
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