Today the Nebraska Legislature voted to advance LB574, receiving 33 votes in support of the bill and 16 votes in opposition. This vote occurred after the bill’s introducer, Senator Kathleen Kauth, promised to collaborate on a new, unspecified amendment. If LB574 passes Final Reading, the bill will go to the desk of Governor Jim Pillen.

LB574, or the “Let Them Grow Act,” would outlaw most forms of necessary and medically-prescribed gender-affirming care for Nebraskans under the age of 19, as well as create punitive measures for their providers.

If this bill is signed into law, young transgender people and their families will be immediately impacted. Transgender youth undergoing treatment will be forced to stop, and families and individuals will be faced with impossible decisions about their future as Nebraskans.

Most Nebraskans support the right of parents and families to make their own decisions and do not believe that this process concerns elected officials.

“This year has shown us how far we still have to go,” said Abbi Swatsworth, executive director of OutNebraska. “Instead of focusing on solving our state’s problems, many of our legislators have chosen to take up the banner against our kids. It has to stop.”

OutNebraska calls on allies of the transgender community to take action. “The stakes are high. This situation is dire. If you have been on the sidelines, now is the time to get engaged,” said Aryn Huck of OutNebraska. “We all need to show up for our transgender neighbors.”

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.