Washington state has passed a controversial bill that has been criticized for undermining parental rights. Senate Bill 5599, which was sponsored by Senator Marko Liias, will allow certified shelters to provide reproductive health services and gender-affirming care to minors without seeking parental consent. The bill allows shelters to contact the Department of Children, Youth and Families instead of parents for children seeking these services.

Critics of the bill argue that it could lead to exploitation and abuse of vulnerable minors, creating a potential avenue for predators to take advantage of children seeking shelter or medical services. There are also concerns about the long-term impact on the mental and physical health of children who may not have the maturity or capacity to make informed decisions about their healthcare.

Opponents of the bill also believe that the government should not be involved in providing gender-affirming care to minors, and that these decisions should be left to parents and medical professionals.