Transgender

Republican lawmakers have become laser focused on legislation affecting transgender Missourians. That reality is pushing some to flee with their families or send transgender teenagers to out-of-state universities. "There's no point in staying," one mother said. "I consider it dangerous here."

Advocates for transgender people say they can’t completely celebrate Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey's withdrawal of a rule limiting gender-affirming care because Gov. Mike Parson is expected to sign a bill that limits such care for minors into law.

Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey terminated a rule that would have placed restrictions on which transgender patients could obtain hormones and other gender-affirming treatment. Bailey said the rule is no longer necessary because the Republican-controlled legislature has passed its own restrictions.

Advocates for transgender people in the St. Louis region say some transgender people in the area are being cast out of shelters and other housing because of their gender identities. Metropolitan St. Louis Equal Housing and Opportunity Council officials say they are receiving an uptick in calls from transgender people complaining about housing discrimination.

Lawmakers spent less than an hour discussing both bills, with Republicans voting to end debate twice.

St. Louis County Circuit Judge Ellen Ribaudo on Thursday extended the pause on Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey's rule limiting transgender care.

Three openly transgender educators in the school district say discrimination has forced them out of their jobs.

The decision by St. Louis County Circuit Judge Ellen Ribaudo came after an unsuccessful attempt from Andrew Bailey’s office to move the case to federal court. Ribaudo is expected to rule on the temporary restraining order on Monday.

Transgender people in Missouri brace for sweeping restrictions to take effect April 27.

The form had asked people to report concerns about “gender transition intervention” in Missouri. The attorney general’s office says it was hacked and is being investigated.