Coalition Aims to Address Child Gender Procedures in States

A coalition aimed at opposing what its founders term “child mutilation” is gaining traction in Minnesota, where citizens are mobilizing to unify states against certain medical procedures for minors. The initiative, known as “The Cornerstone Standard Coalition of States,” seeks to establish a framework for legislation that would prohibit gender-related surgeries and treatments for children.

The coalition was launched in 2024 by a diverse group that includes a pastor, a homeschool mother, and members of the Republican state delegation. Their goal is to create a unified stance across states to protect children from what they describe as harmful medical practices.

Michael Adamovich, a co-founder of the coalition, criticized the terminology used in discussions about gender-related healthcare, stating, “We believe that the persons who administer so-called transgender healthcare to minors are criminals … and should be punished to the full extent of the law.”

The coalition’s formation follows a memo from Attorney General Pam Bondi, which called for rigorous enforcement of laws against what she termed “child mutilation.” Bondi’s memo highlighted that between 2019 and 2023, approximately 14,000 children received treatment for gender dysphoria, with over 5,700 undergoing surgeries.

Karin Miller, another co-founder and a homeschool mother, echoed Bondi’s sentiments, stating, “What [Bondi] is calling for is what we’re calling for.” She emphasized the coalition’s purpose is to “end the harm against children” and to raise awareness among citizens in Minnesota about the issue.

Currently, 27 states have enacted policies limiting youth access to gender-related procedures, while 23 states have not banned such practices. Fourteen states have “shield laws” that protect access to these procedures, allowing minors to seek treatment in states with more permissive laws.

The Children’s Minnesota clinic reported a 30% increase in new patient calls in 2023, attributed to surrounding states restricting access to gender-affirming care. This trend has raised concerns among coalition members about the implications for children traveling across state lines for procedures that some states have deemed harmful.

The coalition’s declaration of purpose argues that the government has a social contract with its citizens, stating, “By not protecting our children, the government has broken the social contract and violated their oath in office.” The founders are calling for a national coalition to adopt their principles and advocate for legislation that aligns with their views on protecting minors.

Despite their outreach efforts, including a letter to South Dakota’s Governor Kristi Noem, coalition leaders report they have not received responses from key state officials. They remain hopeful that their message will resonate and prompt action among leaders in states that allow these procedures.

As the coalition continues to develop model legislation, its founders aim to engage citizens and legislators alike in their campaign. They believe that reshaping cultural attitudes toward child gender procedures is essential for the future, stating, “Ultimately we would love to see the Coalition of States reshape the culture of America towards the next generation so that child gender mutilation would become unthinkable.”