Transgender shield law advances

Good morning!

Democrats in the New Jersey Legislature are finally moving forward with a bill aimed at shielding transgender people and their health care providers from potential civil and criminal penalties.

The bill, which was first introduced nearly two years ago, won a key vote Monday from the Senate’s health committee, and it’s before the Assembly’s health panel on Thursday, setting the stage for a full vote before the Legislature sooner than expected after the years of statis.

Monday saw hours of emotional testimony from supporters of the bill and from critics, at least one of whom lobbed a reference to Sodom and Gomorrah at the committee. Supporters said the bill is needed to protect transgender people and healthcare providers from the Trump administration’s push to restrict access to puberty blockers, hormone therapies, and other treatments, particularly for minors.

“Families are making difficult life decisions based on whether their children feel safe and protected. Families are paying attention to this. Providers are paying attention to this. And businesses are too,” said Natalie Baker, a psychotherapist who is also parent of a transgender child.

The panel’s two Republicans voted no. One of them, Sen. Holly Schepisi, argued that she is mostly supportive of transgender people but “for me the difference has always been between adults and children.”

Read more from Lilo Stainton.

Lucy Amato, 15, testifies before the Senate’s health committee in Trenton on May 11, 2026, about a transgender healthcare protections bill. (Photo by Anne-Marie Caruso/New Jersey Monitor)

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