Peoria Standard

Jim Rule, Chairman of the Tazewell County Republicans, expressed support for President Trump's executive order banning federal funding and promotion of chemical and surgical sex-change procedures for minors. He described it as a crucial step in protecting children from what he termed dangerous and irreversible medical treatments driven by radical ideologies. Rule made these remarks to the Peoria Standard on February 6.

"President Trump's executive order is a bold and necessary move to protect innocent children from the dangerous and extremist woke agenda," said Rule. "No child should be subjected to life-altering, irreversible surgeries or pumped full of puberty blockers that can cause permanent harm—all in the name of radical ideology. Our children deserve to grow up safe, healthy, and free from politically motivated pressures that seek to confuse and exploit them. This EO puts the well-being of America's youth first, ensuring children are shielded from experimental medical procedures in the name of authenticity."

Fox News reported that President Trump signed an executive order titled "Protecting Children from Chemical and Surgical Mutilation." The order restricts 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, which can lead to regret and lifelong complications.

The American College of Pediatricians (ACP) said there is no long-term evidence supporting the safety or efficacy of puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, or surgeries for transgender youth. They deemed these interventions experimental. The ACP noted that without reliable data, parents cannot provide informed consent, and minors cannot assent. They further said that puberty blockers may exacerbate gender dysphoria, self-harm, and emotional instability with potential side effects such as osteoporosis, mood disorders, and cognitive impairment. High doses of hormones also carry risks including 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 criticized the rapid global adoption of gender-affirming treatments based on a single Dutch study despite its narrow scope. Cass emphasized that medical decisions should involve parents unless their involvement poses a safety risk to the child. She concluded that children deserve a cautious, evidence-based approach to treating gender-related distress rather than one driven by ideology.

Rule was first elected as Chairman of the Tazewell County Republicans in 2018. According to the organization’s website, he focuses on boosting Republican voter turnout, growing party membership, and communicating party positions on issues important to Tazewell County voters.