The Health and Services Committee voted 4 to 2 yesterday evening to move LB574 onto general file despite warnings from advocates, community members and multiple medical associations. LB574, dubbed the “Let Them Grow Act,†would outlaw all forms of gender-affirming care for youth as well as open up providers of said care to legal action.Â
As discriminatory bills targeting gay and transgender people are introduced in legislatures across the country, we are deeply disappointed that many of our state legislators have followed suit. The majority of Nebraskans agree that medical care should be made by patients and their families collaborating with physicians and mental health professionals—not by politicians.Â
Even more disappointing is that over 100 people were turned away after hours of waiting to testify. “These Nebraskans took time away from school and work, traveled from out of town and arranged childcare–only to be turned away by a committee who would not make time for them,†said Abbi Swatsworth, Executive Director of OutNebraska.Â
This vote follows a statement issued today by Governor Pillen affirming his support for Senator Kauth’s anti-transgender bills, LB574 and LB575.
The advancement of this legislation, in tandem with bills like the proposed six-week abortion ban, reveals a disturbing pattern of disregard for bodily autonomy and freedom in Nebraska. Every Nebraskan deserves the right to self-determination, no matter what.Â
As the legislative session continues, OutNebraska will continue to do everything in our power to protect the rights of LGBTQ+ Nebraskans, especially our transgender youth.
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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.