A Democratic House candidate vying to unseat Rep. Derrick Van Orden, R-Wis., has reversed her position on pediatric gender treatments after facing criticism from progressive voters. Rebecca Cooke initially declined to endorse a federal ban on the practice, which often involves mental health professionals offering talk therapy for individuals struggling with their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Local Angle

Cooke’s reversal comes as she attempts to appeal to both Democratic primary voters and the broader electorate in the Trump-friendly swing district. The issue gained renewed attention when the Supreme Court ruled earlier this year that Colorado could not enforce a state-level ban on pediatric gender treatments over free speech concerns, sparking backlash from some Democrats.

Cooke’s opponent, Emily Berge, has been clear in her denunciation of pediatric gender treatments, stating that the practice has no place in society. Cooke, on the other hand, has consistently supported expanding LGBTQ rights during her previous two failed bids for Wisconsin’s 3rd Congressional District.

National Implications

The controversy surrounding pediatric gender treatments has sparked a national debate, with many Republicans criticizing Cooke’s reversal as a flip-flop. The issue is likely to continue to be a point of contention in the upcoming election, as Cooke attempts to navigate the complex landscape of LGBTQ rights and parental concerns.

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.