Paul to deputy HHS nominee: If we condemn genital mutilation of minors, why do you support transgender therapies for children?

The Washington Post offers a much more balanced and accurate headline: Sen. Paul criticizes Biden nominee, a transgender woman, over her support for gender reassignment surgery and hormone therapy for minors. Dan Diamond gave a straightforward account of the exchange:

In his questions at Levine s confirmation hearing, Paul tried to draw a connection between genital mutilation a practice condemned by public health experts as a human rights violation and surgery and medication for children who are transitioning genders. Paul also complained about Levine s support for children who make the decision to take hormone-blocking medications despite the concerns of their parents.

For most of our history, we have believed that minors don t have full rights and that parents need to be involved, Paul said. We should be outraged that someone s talking to a 3-year-old about changing their sex.

Levine who is bidding to be the highest-ranking out transgender official in federal government history sidestepped Paul s specific points and responded in general terms.

Transgender medicine is a very complex and nuanced field with robust research and standards of care that have been developed, Levine said, promising to discuss the issue further with Paul if confirmed.

via hotair.com