Georgia House OKs ban on some gender-affirming care for kids

ATLANTA (AP) — The Georgia House is voting to ban most gender-affirming surgeries and hormone replacement therapies for people under 18 in the state. Senate Bill 140 passed on a 96-75 vote It would still allow doctors to prescribe medicines to block puberty. The vote came after raw and emotional appeals from opponents. A  House committee amended the bill on Tuesday to expose physicians who violate the law to civil lawsuits or possible criminal charges. It goes back to the Senate for more debate. Supporters say the measure is necessary to protect children from making irreversible decisions. Opponents say the measure would require physicians to violate standards of care and would block parents.