In a significant development, Nebraska lawmakers have passed a ban on gender-affirming care, sparking controversy and galvanizing the LGBTQ+ community’s advocates. Despite determined filibustering efforts by two Democratic representatives, Legislative Bill 574 managed to secure a final vote of 33-15 on Friday, May 19, ultimately advancing to Governor Jim Pillen for consideration. This bill not only prohibits gender-affirming care for transgender youth, including reversible puberty blockers, but it also encompasses a 10-week abortion ban, following an amendment added earlier in May.
Protestors flooded the state’s capitol, passionately calling for the bill’s defeat, while chanting slogans such as “keep kids alive.” The passage of this legislation came after months of tireless efforts by Democratic House member Megan Hunt, who actively participated in the filibustering process. Hunt, currently under investigation due to allegations of a conflict of interest for having a transgender son, voiced her opposition and criticized the decision, stating that the bill’s proponents did not reflect the will of Nebraskans. She further cautioned that the bill’s passage could lead to a lawsuit with multiple plaintiffs, ultimately burdening the taxpayers.
Various organizations have expressed their dismay at the ban, labeling it as unacceptable and urging state activists to take action. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) condemned the bill’s passing and encouraged individuals to notify their representatives about their opposition to LB574. Over 200 businesses operating in Nebraska signed an open letter denouncing the bill and similar measures, describing them as discouraging and disappointing. They emphasized the adverse impact such legislation has on creating a hostile environment that drives LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies away from the state, posing significant competitive risks.
Cathryn Oakley, the state legislative director for the Human Rights Campaign, joined the chorus of criticism against the bill. Oakley expressed astonishment at the bill’s ironic title, the ‘Let Them Grow Act,’ highlighting its potential to hinder transgender and non-binary children from growing up authentically. She stressed that age-appropriate and medically necessary gender-affirming care is life-saving healthcare, supported by mainstream American medical and mental health organizations. Oakley emphasized the bill’s underlying political motivations, asserting that it serves as a disheartening ploy by politicians seeking to cater to the extremist fringes of their base.
The impact of the ban reverberated beyond the political sphere. During a recent concert, popular singer Lizzo voiced her disappointment, encouraging her thousands of fans by saying, “Don’t let anyone tell you who you are. These laws aren’t real. You are real.” The sentiment echoed the growing sentiment among advocates, rejecting the validity and detrimental consequences of such restrictive legislation.
As Nebraska moves forward with this contentious ban, the battle for LGBTQ+ rights and the well-being of transgender youth continues. The divisive nature of the legislation underscores the ongoing struggle for equality, prompting renewed efforts to safeguard the rights and dignity of all individuals, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation.