The crowd was surprised when Arkansas Senator Matt McKee questioned a transgender doctor about her genitalia in front of a state legislative committee. McKee asked Dr. Gwendolyn Paige Herzig, a trans female, “have you got a penis?”
The surreal moment when Republican Arkansas state Sen. Matt McKee asks a trans pharmacist if she has a penis. pic.twitter.com/7reE9porVW
— The Indoctrinatrix (@gelderbailey) February 13, 2023
A Twitter user posted the video online. One user replied to the video tweeting, “Why is the GOP so obsessed with genitalia, bathrooms, the sexuality of children, and the personal lives of others? It’s creepy and unwholesome.”
Why is the GOP so obsessed with genitalia, bathrooms, the sexuality of children, and the personal lives of others?
It’s creepy and unwholesome.
— Heidi (@HeidiHugh8) February 14, 2023
McKee was chosen to represent District 6 in the Arkansas Senate in 2022 and was sworn in on January 9 of 2023. His election campaign was centered on promoting “conservative ideals.”
On Monday, February 13, attendees at the state’s Senate Judiciary Committee hearing voiced their opposition to a measure that would restrict trans youths’ access to care that is gender-affirming.
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To vote on Arkansas Senate Bill 199, a meeting was conducted. If they can demonstrate “injury,” people would be able to sue healthcare providers up to 30 years after receiving treatment.
According to Public Radio From UA Little Rock, the bill’s proponent, state Sen. Gary Stubblefield, argued that rather than overtly prohibiting gender-affirming care, it is intended to act as a deterrent for healthcare professionals.
The Arkansas Times says that the bill would also impose a two-year waiting time before trans adolescents could receive therapy and prohibit youth with mental health-related conditions including depression and eating disorders from receiving gender-affirming care.
Transgender woman Dr. Gwendolyn Paige Herzig spoke out against the legislation throughout the session. She squared off against McKee, who was supporting the legislation.
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“Are you telling us that you’re unfamiliar with the large body of medical evidence of the harm that has come upon people that have gone through these processes?” Matt McKee, a state senator, asked Herzig.
Herzig responded, “I’m familiar with the large body of evidence that shows that providing good affirming care saves lives,”
Herzig replied that she would reiterate her earlier statement when McKee asked the same question again, which led to a standoff between the two. Herzig was obviously unsatisfied with McKee’s response.
McKee remarked, “You said that you’re a trans woman?” at this point. Herzig replied, “A trans female, sir,” in response.
“Do you have a penis?” asked McKee. Prior to declining to respond, Herzig referred to the inquiry as “horrible” and “highly inappropriate.” The audience’s disbelief is audible in the background, and booing can be heard.
