Louisiana legislators headed by Republicans were successful in passing a law that prohibits transgender medical care for kids. The measure was approved by a majority vote that was "veto-proof."
Legislation restricting or prohibiting transgender surgery for children has recently been approved in an increasing number of states. And after the voting on Wednesday, June 7, Louisiana is set to join that growing number.
Notably, Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida signed a bill in May that prohibits transgender surgery on minors and provides certain protections for educators who are asked to use "pronouns" in the classroom.
With Bipartisan Backing, Louisiana Bans Transgender Sex Change Surgeries on Minors
Republican Louisiana state representative Gabe Firment authored the measure as he is a vocal opponent of gender-affirming surgery for minors. He expressed his joy at the bill's success in a message he sent to Fox News.
"Thanks to the bi-partisan support of the Louisiana State Senate, we are one step closer to protecting children in Louisiana from experimental chemical and surgical sex change procedures. HB648 has passed both chambers of the state legislature with veto-proof majorities, and the people of Louisiana have made it clear that our children are worth fighting for.
"The passage of this important legislation would not have been possible without the help of courageous [detransitioners], brave Louisiana physicians and advocates, and parents and grandparents across our great state. It is my sincere hope that Governor Edwards will allow this bill to become law, ensuring that Louisiana children receive compassionate mental health care and a future filled with hope, happiness, and opportunity," Firment stated.
The New York Times reports that the state legislature approved the law with a "wide-enough margin to override a veto." This means that even Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards, who is a Democrat, may not be able to reject it.
Firment also posted an opinion piece from the Wall Street Journal on his Twitter account about the harmful impacts of gender-affirming care on youngsters.
To provide gender-affirming treatment for kids is to conduct an experiment on kids and teenagers, according to his argument. He said it is tantamount to child abuse to turn a blind eye to the long-term risks associated with the uncontrolled off-label distribution of potent puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones.
From @WSJopinion. “Gender-affirming care for children is... a human experiment on children and teens... Ignoring the long-term dangers posed by unrestricted off-label dispensing of powerful puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones... borders on child abuse.”#lalege #lagov https://t.co/0MGnEc4FgO
— State Representative Gabe Firment (@FirmentGabe) June 8, 2023
AP News reported that the measure had failed in a legislative committee in May, making its revival in June all the more unusual.
The report indicates that the bill drew statewide and national attention when a Republican broke a tie to defeat it in the Senate Health & Welfare Committee in May.
