January 1, Transgender Laws Challenged After Minneapolis Shooting

Wyatt’s Take

• Minnesota’s transgender sanctuary laws face backlash after a tragic school shooting.
• The shooter openly regretted transitioning and blamed gender ideology pressures.
• Republicans demand repeal of laws they say worsen mental health issues.

Minnesota’s support for transgender health care is under heavy fire after a school shooting rocked Minneapolis. The shooter, born Robert Westman but known as Robin, left behind writings describing great regret for transitioning and feeling “brainwashed” by gender ideology.

“I am tired of being trans. I wish I never brain-washed myself,” Westman wrote in a handwritten manifesto before the attack.

The state’s House File 146, passed in 2023, made Minnesota a so-called “sanctuary” for people seeking gender treatments, including for children. Governor Tim Walz signed the bill, protecting families and doctors involved in “gender-affirming” care from legal consequences out-of-state.

Westman’s case has Republicans blaming these policies for encouraging confusion and worsening mental health problems. House Majority Whip Tom Emmer called for these laws to be scrapped, saying they avoid tackling real causes of violence.

“Why didn’t somebody offer him help?” Emmer asked, criticizing state leaders for “encouraging this type of confusion.”

Minneapolis also lets minors consent to gender treatment, a move leaders defend, but many point to the shooter’s long struggles as proof things have gone too far. Still, city officials urge people not to blame the entire transgender community, instead asking for unity and stronger gun laws.

Westman appeared to suffer from years of mental health problems, writing about not being able to achieve a true transition or afford ongoing treatments before taking his own life after the attack.

Full story here

Wyatt Matters

Folks here care deeply about protecting kids, honesty in health care, and not rushing young people into life-changing decisions. When leaders ignore real mental health concerns or silence tough questions about new laws, our communities pay the price. People want common sense and accountability, not politics as usual.