Texas investigating parental dispute into whether 7-year-old is transgender
Texas is investigating a parental dispute into whether their 7-year-old is transgender.
Gov. Greg Abbott (R) announced late Wednesday on Twitter that the Texas Attorney General’s Office and the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services is examining the case, in which the parents of Luna, named James at birth, are arguing over the child’s gender identity.
Abbott tweeted the announcement, along with the hashtag #JamesYounger.
FYI the matter of 7 year old James Younger is being looked into by the Texas Attorney General’s Office and the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. #JamesYounger
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) October 23, 2019
Divorced parents Jeffrey Younger and Anne Georgulas have battled over custody, a dispute that has recently become publicized by conservative media in particular and is plagued by misinformation. On Tuesday, a Dallas jury decided Georgulas will have sole custody of Luna, with the authority to make any medical or psychological decisions for them, The Washington Post reported.
{mosads}The mother reportedly took Luna to a therapist after they wanted to wear dresses, and the mental health professional diagnosed the child with gender dysphoria. But Younger has alleged Luna presents as a boy around him, and that Georgulas has pressured them to want to use female pronouns.
After Georgulas pushed a restraining order against Younger and tried to sign Luna up for gender transition therapy, Younger started an internet campaign to “#ProtectJamesYounger” from experiencing “chemical castration” when the child transitioned. Experts told the Post that medical gender transition would not occur until a child reaches puberty.
The case has gleaned national attention and caught the attention of Texas GOP lawmakers Sen. Ted Cruz and Rep. Dan Crenshaw, who tweeted out in support of Younger.
A 7-year-old child doesn’t have the maturity to make profound decisions like this. The state of Texas should protect this child’s right to choose—as an informed, mature person—and not be used as a pawn in a left-wing political agenda. #ProtectJamesYounger
— Senator Ted Cruz (@SenTedCruz) October 24, 2019
This is heartbreaking and sets a horrible precedent.
A 7-year-old can’t possibly make this decision or understand it. Parents should know better. I hope this father receives the public support he needs. #ProtectJamesYoungerhttps://t.co/4hszPgqGWe
— Dan Crenshaw (@DanCrenshawTX) October 22, 2019
Georgulas’s lawyers sent a joint statement to “respectfully request that you honor her wishes to keep the children’s lives private.”
“My client is being viciously attacked and threatened by complete strangers based on false and untrue statements,” the statement read. “That is unacceptable.”
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton asked the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) to “protect this child” in a Thursday statement.
“Texans understand that children are cherished, unique individuals who should be supported and properly cared for as they grow up in our communities,” Paxton said. “I trust that DFPS will act immediately upon our request, conduct a thorough investigation, and protect this child.”
The Hill reached out to Younger’s lawyer and the Texas DFPS for comment.
—Updated at 5:30 p.m.
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