The Louisiana State Legislature passed a bill banning the use of puberty blockers, cross-sex hormone therapy, and sex change operations on children, sending the legislation to Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards’ desk.
The State Senate passed the bill along party lines by a vote of 29-10 on Monday, while the State House approved the bill 75-25 on Tuesday. If the bill is signed into law, doctors who provide medical sex change interventions could have their licenses revoked for a minimum of two years.
“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,” the bill’s sponsor, state Rep. Gabe Firment, remarked before going on to add “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,” he added.
“This isn’t complicated. Kids should not have access to permanent medical procedures in order to affirm an identity that they might outgrow,” Republican Sen. Jeremy Stine said in support of the legislation.
While Edwards has not stated whether or not he plans to veto the legislation, he recently claimed that bills regarding LBGT issues are “damaging” and do not “address any real problems.” Republicans have enough members in the State Senate and House to override a potential veto.
The legislation, HB 648, was previously rejected in committee back in May by a tie-breaking vote from Republican State Sen. Fred Mills, who argued that he “relied on science and data and not political or societal pressures.” Following the initial rejection of the bill, the Senate voted 26-11 to reassign it to a new committee, allowing it to be considered a second time.
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If the bill becomes law, Louisiana will join a growing list of states that have enacted laws defending children from medical sex change attempts. Similar laws have so far been passed and signed into law in Tennessee, Alabama, Florida, Kentucky, Arkansas, Mississippi, Utah, Iowa, Idaho, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Indiana.
“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 concluded.