U.S. Represenative Chip Roy (R) announced that he would not offer a planned amendment to H.R. 3492, the Protect Children's Innocence Act, legislation that would criminalize the provision of so-called "gender-affirming care" to minors.
Roy said his decision intended to avoid any appearance of division among Republicans as the bill advances, despite ongoing concerns he previously raised about the legislation's legal durability.
"In consideration of H.R. 3492, the Protect Children's Innocence Act, which would criminalize those providing so-called 'gender-affirming care' to children, I had planned to offer an amendment to partially address my concerns about its prospects of passage in the Senate and potential constitutional challenges the act will face," said Roy in a statement.
He added that he ultimately chose not to move forward with the amendment "to avoid any confusion about how united Republicans are in protecting children from these grotesque procedures."
Roy continued by reiterating his long-standing opposition to transgender medical interventions for minors.
"As I have long made clear, the trans agenda is abhorrent and should be criminalized," said Roy. "To succeed and to be effective, we must ensure the language we are adopting avoids potential pitfalls, from the expansive uses of the Commerce Clause to definitions and provisions that might invite constitutional challenge."
He maintained that his amendment was intended to increase "the likelihood of passage in the Senate and success in the courts."
Roy also criticized House leadership for advancing the bill without resolving concerns raised by some lawmakers, faith-based organizations, and legal experts.
"House leadership has known for a long time there were concerns about the legislation among members, many faith-based groups, and knowledgeable lawyers, and should have addressed those concerns before bringing the measure to a vote," said Roy.
Roy expressed that his decision reflects an effort to maintain Republican unity on the legislation while continuing to stress the importance of crafting policy that can withstand Senate backlash and constitutional challenges.
