Following three days of tense debate, the Nebraska Legislature voted 30 to 17 today to advance LB574 after it received 33 votes to overcome a filibuster.Â
LB574, dubbed the “Let Them Grow Act,†would outlaw most forms of gender-affirming care for youth as well as open up providers of said care to legal action.
The vote followed pleas from transgender youth and their parents, outcry from the medical community and several emotional statements from senators urging colleagues to oppose the bill. Prior to the vote, multiple opponents of LB574 promised to continue a filibuster effort if the bill moved on.
Most Nebraskans agree that medical care should be made by patients and their families collaborating with physicians and mental health professionals, and that this process should not concern elected officials.Â
The implications of this bill should not be taken lightly. If LB574 passes into law, our state will become even more unsafe for transgender, non-binary and gender nonconforming Nebraskans. Minors undergoing gender-affirming care will be forced to cease treatment, families who are supportive of their transgender children will have to consider decisions no family should be faced with and countless young people without the resources to leave Nebraska will be forced back into the closet.
“We will do everything in our power to ensure that our youth survive to become happy, healthy and successful adults,†said Abbi Swatsworth, Executive Director of OutNebraska. “Trans people are brilliant, beautiful and resilient, and they belong here in our state.â€
If you or someone you know needs support, contact the Trevor Project crisis line by texting ‘START’ to 678-678 or calling 1-866-488-7386
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OutNebraska is a non-partisan organization working to empower, celebrate and grow LGBTQ+ communities in Nebraska. For more information visit outnebraska.org.