‘Gender-Affirming Care’ and the Modern Religion of Moloch

Or, how ‘be kind’ can be cruel

Francisco Goya, The Madhouse, c. 1812-1814.

Pathetic and very terrible is the long history of cruelty and torture, of degradation and human sacrifice, endured in the hope of placating the jealous gods: surely, the trembling believer thinks, when what is most precious has been freely given, their lust for blood must be appeased, and more will not be required. The religion of Moloch—as such creeds may be generically called—is in essence the cringing submission of the slave, who dare not, even in his heart, allow the thought that his master deserves no adulation. Since the independence of ideals is not yet acknowledged, Power may be freely worshipped, and receive an unlimited respect, despite its wanton infliction of pain.

- Bertrand Russell, “The Free Man’s Worship,” 1903

The following piece includes my two brief spoken testimonies, a commentary, and the LGB United endorsement for 2023 South Dakota Legislature House Bill 1080.

On Tuesday, January 31, I gave a brief testimony before the Hous…