“This is the use of religion to hurt people because you disapprove of who they are. Any rule that grants a license to discriminate would be a disgrace and a mockery of the principal of religious freedom we all cherish.”
Donald Trump’s administration are hoping to implement a rule that will allow health workers the right to refuse transgender patients who want to transition, and any other service – such as abortions – that they feel will conflict with their religious beliefs or “moral objections”.
Politico reported that the new regulation is part of The Department Of Human Health Services’ (HSS) plan to punish organisations that refuse to allow workers to act on their beliefs.
HSS are reportedly planning to implement the new rule this week.
The decision to allow health workers the right to discriminate against patients based on their gender identity has been slammed by various LGBTQ activists.
“This is the use of religion to hurt people because you disapprove of who they are,” said Harper Jean Tobin from the National Center for Transgender Equality. “Any rule that grants a license to discriminate would be a disgrace and a mockery of the principal of religious freedom we all cherish.”
In a statement, Louise Melling – from the American Civil Liberties Union – said: “Should the administration choose to move forward to implement a discriminatory policy, we will see them in court.”
Roger Severino – leader of the HHS – has a long history when it comes to opposing LGBTQ rights. He previously served as counsel in court battles opposing same-sex marriage, and has been outspoken against providing procedures to trans patients.
In 2o16, Severino wrote in a Heritage Foundation report: “On the basis of religious teachings, moral reasoning, scientific evidence, and medical experience, many have strong grounds to hold that one’s sex is an immutable characteristic.
“Many involved in providing medical care and those enrolled in health insurance plans have serious objections to participating in or paying for sex-reassignment surgeries or gender transitions.”
Last month, it was reported that Trump had banned his administration from using particular words and phrases – one of them being “transgender”.
He also failed to acknowledge the LGBTQ community during a speech on World AIDS Day, and in October, he became the first president to speak at an anti-LGBT hate group conference.
We’d mention all the other times he’s failed the LGBTQ community, but we’d be here all day.
Related: Trump reportedly joked that Mike Pence ‘wants to hang all gay people’.
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