Georgia House Democrats walk out in protest over bill banning gender-affirming care for inmates
Georgia House Democrats staged a walkout during the debate on Senate Bill 185, which bans gender-affirming care for state prison inmates.
Senate Bill 185 is part of a series of Republican-backed legislation targeting transgender individuals, including bills affecting state employees and youth.
The bill passed the House with a 100-2 vote and now awaits Governor Brian Kemp's decision for approval or veto.
ATLANTA - Georgia House Democrats staged a dramatic walkout Wednesday as lawmakers debated a bill that would ban gender-affirming care for state prison inmates.
It marks a growing tensions over a slate of Republican-backed legislation targeting transgender residents.
What we know
The protest occurred during a debate over Senate Bill 185, which passed the House in a 100-2 vote. All Democrats abstained by leaving the chamber.
The backstory
SB 185, sponsored by Sen. Randy Robertson, a Republican from Cataula, would prohibit the Georgia Department of Corrections from providing gender-affirming care to incarcerated individuals. According to Robertson, about five people currently incarcerated in Georgia receive such care.
What they're saying
According to Robertson, there are currently about five people who are incarcerated in Georgia who receive this care.
Big picture view
This is one of several transgender Senate bills making their way through the legislature this session.
Senate Bill 185 would ban gender-affirming care for state prison inmates.
Republican lawmakers have also introduced transgender bills to prohibit gender-affirming care for state employees, prevent medical professionals from prescribing puberty blockers to children and teens and a bill to ban biological males from participating in girls' sports.
What's next
The bill now goes to Governor Brian Kemp's desk for his signature or veto.
The Source
FOX 5's Deidra Dukes has been covering the 2025 Georgia Legislative Session.
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