The mandate was an attempt by the Biden administration to define sex to include \u201cgender identity\u201d for the purposes of Health and Human Services (HHS) regulations. Critics say the rule would have required doctors, clinics, and hospitals to perform procedures to which they object and insurance companies to pay for such procedures.<\/p>\n
The Southern Baptist Convention\u2019s Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC) president Brent Leatherwood welcomed the news.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Biden administration\u2019s decision to back down from the transgender mandate marks a significant victory in safeguarding the rights of medical professionals to operate in a manner consistent with their deepest held beliefs,\u201d Leatherwood said in written comments.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is an important development we should take note of because it not only represents a win for conscience rights but also furthers efforts to shield vulnerable individuals who should never become pawns in the sexual revolution.\u201d<\/p>\n