Lake County Gazette

Jay Swidler, chairman of the Vernon Township Republicans, has expressed support for President Trump's executive order restricting federal support for sex-change procedures for minors. Swidler described the measure as a crucial step in protecting children. He made his statement to the Lake County Gazette on February 7.

"President Trump's executive order is a critical measure to shield vulnerable children from the radical woke movement's harmful influence," said Swidler. "Young kids should not be subjected to irreversible surgeries or dangerous puberty blockers that can have lifelong consequences. They deserve a chance to grow naturally, free from ideological agendas that push them toward drastic medical interventions. Childhood should be about learning and discovery, not about making permanent decisions they may one day regret."

Fox News reported that President Trump signed an executive order titled "Protecting Children from Chemical and Surgical Mutilation." The order prohibits federal funding, promotion, or support for child sex transitions. According to Fox News, the order argues that medical professionals are causing harm to minors through irreversible procedures, leading to regret and lifelong complications.

The American College of Pediatricians (ACP) has said that there is no long-term evidence supporting the safety or efficacy of puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, or surgeries for transgender youth. These interventions are considered experimental by the ACP. Without reliable data, parents cannot provide informed consent, and minors cannot assent. The ACP further noted that puberty blockers may worsen gender dysphoria, self-harm, and emotional instability, with side effects including osteoporosis, mood disorders, and cognitive impairment. High doses of hormones can also carry risks such as psychiatric issues, sterility, and cardiovascular problems.

Alliance Defending Freedom reported on Dr. Hilary Cass’s review commissioned by England’s National Health Service (NHS). Cass critiqued the evidence supporting puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and surgeries for children with gender dysphoria. She found no reliable long-term outcome data and pointed out that systematic reviews expose the poor quality of existing studies. Cass criticized the rapid global adoption of gender-affirming treatments based on a single Dutch study despite its narrow scope. She emphasized that medical decisions should involve parents unless their involvement risks the child's safety and concluded that children deserve a cautious, evidence-based approach to treating gender-related distress rather than one driven by ideology.

Swidler was first elected chairman of the Vernon Township Republicans in 2024. According to the organization’s website, he is focused on boosting Republican voter turnout, growing party membership, and communicating its positions on issues important to Vernon Township voters.