DeSantis gets fiery on sex transitions for minors: ‘That is mutilation.’

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FLV) – At a press conference to wrap up the 2023 legislative session in Florida, Gov. Ron DeSantis interrupted a reporter over a question surrounding “health care” for minors that involved sex transition procedures.

Part of the question was unable to be heard, but the reporter is heard asking DeSantis about a “cultural issue” the governor has “identified with,” and asked about what “American voters” want.

“How many of these people were paid to come?” the governor interrupted. “I mean, like, honestly, it’s like – seriously, some of this stuff is just totally manufactured.”

“I know like people in your industry will dress it up with a euphemism and they’ll say it’s ‘health care’ to cut off the private parts of a 14 or 15-year-old – that is not health care. That is mutilation,” DeSantis said. “And so when we’re standing up against that, we’re protecting these kids.”

He continued, pointing to the example of Chloe Cole, who “transitioned” at a young age and regretted the decision.

“We’ve had other people who went through this when they were minors now they’re older and it’s like the biggest regret of their life. They feel like that they were manipulated,” he said. “But the fact is people go through a lot when they’re teenagers. You grow out of it most of the time in these situations… 80 90% resolves by the time you get there.”

Florida lawmakers recently approved legislation that bans sex reassignment surgeries and medications for minors.

“This is not science. This is a cult that is focused on the abuse of children,” Bill sponsor Rep. Randy Fine, R-South Brevard County, said on the House floor.

“Trans people are not evil. We get accused of that. They’re not evil. But you know what they are? They’re the victims of those who are, who prey on them, and who prey [on] a mental condition to make money,” Fine said.