Georgia House Passes Bill to Ban State-Funded Gender Surgeries for Inmates Amid Democratic Walkout
In a striking moment of protest, Democratic lawmakers in the Georgia House of Representatives walked out of the legislative chamber on Wednesday as a controversial bill restricting taxpayer-funded gender-related surgeries for inmates was debated and passed. The bill, Senate Bill 185, cleared the House in a sweeping 100-2 vote, with bipartisan support and only two lawmakers voting against it.
The legislation, which now heads to Republican Governor Brian Kemp’s desk, would ban the use of state funds for sex reassignment surgeries, hormone therapies, and cosmetic procedures intended to alter sexual characteristics for prison inmates. It is part of a broader movement by Republican-led states to regulate the use of public funds in gender transition treatments within the corrections system.
The Bill’s Provisions
SB 185 prohibits:
- State-funded sex reassignment surgeries
- Hormone therapies initiated during incarceration
- Cosmetic procedures for the purpose of gender transition
Exemptions are included for:
- Treatment of certain congenital conditions
- Cases involving partial androgen insensitivity syndrome
- Continuation of pre-existing hormone therapies, provided they are medically necessary and not initiated during incarceration
Democratic Walkout Sparks Partisan Tensions
The walkout by House Democrats was a rare and dramatic display of protest in the Georgia legislature. Although most of the Democratic caucus left the floor, a few members remained to vote on the bill. Three Democrats voted in favor, while two others voted against it.
One of the Democrats who stayed, Rep. Lynn Heffner, explained her vote:
“I will be supporting this bill because I support an individual’s choice, but I support the people’s decision on whether or not they pay for those elective procedures.”
Her decision, along with that of the other Democrats who remained, received open praise from Republican members of the House.
Heated Reactions from Both Parties
Republican Rep. Scott Hilton, who introduced the bill, defended it as a reflection of taxpayer sentiment:
“We’re providing a higher standard of care than law-abiding citizens receive.”
Democrats, however, strongly opposed the legislation and accused Republicans of prioritizing divisive cultural issues over pressing economic and public policy needs.
Rep. Tanya Miller, chair of the House Democratic Caucus, stated:
“Our constituents sent us here to address serious pressing issues affecting their daily lives. Yet, instead of addressing real problems, my colleagues in the majority party continue their extreme agenda.”
Rep. Houston Gaines, vice chair of the Republican House Majority Caucus, fired back, calling the walkout a “disgraceful display of misplaced priorities.”
“By storming out of the legislative session, these lawmakers abandoned their duty to represent their constituents and engage in the democratic process, all to grandstand over an issue that most Georgians find absurd.”
Broader Legislative Context
Georgia joins a growing list of Republican-led states—including Texas, Idaho, Kentucky, and Utah—that have moved to restrict the use of public funds for gender-related procedures in prison systems.
This bill follows on the heels of other high-profile legislative proposals in Georgia, including a ban on transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports, which is also awaiting action by Governor Kemp.
With the 2025 legislative session well underway, Georgia’s Republican majority continues to advance a platform focused on gender policy, parental rights, and public safety, while Democrats remain sharply critical of what they view as a culture war agenda.
The final decision now lies with Governor Kemp, who is expected to sign the bill into law.
