State Representative Brad Paquette has introduced new legislation that would ban gender transition procedures for minors in Michigan.

Paquette was joined by state Senator Thomas Albert for the announcement Wednesday. Paquette says the package of legislation would ban certain procedures for patients under age 18, and “only when the intent is to alter the appearance or align with a perception of sex that is inconsistent with a minor’s birth sex.” He said this is about protecting young people.

“This bill package that we have introduced seeks to uphold the gold standard for the most vulnerable among us, and these are young people in the state of Michigan who are questioning their very identity, something that is immutable within them, their sex, their biological sex,” Paquette said.

The legislation only applies to gender-affirming care for those under 18. Paquette says someone so young shouldn’t receive such procedures.

“HHS just came out with a report that described what is happening here in the state of Michigan at many of our hospitals. Puberty blocking drugs, surgeries, chemical castration. A lot of very invasive procedures.”

The legislation includes exceptions for children diagnosed with sexual development disorders. Otherwise, under the bills, a doctor who provides care like “puberty blockers, certain hormone treatments in abnormal amounts, sterilization, removing healthy tissues or body parts” could lose their license.

Equality Michigan says the legislation “is based on lies and ignores science to try and take away essential, life-saving care.”

The legislation also requires health insurance companies to cover “de-transitioning” care for minors that later regret transitioning.