The “Let Them Grow Act” in the Nebraska Legislature has advanced to a final round of debate today. The bill would ban gender-affirming care for transgender youth in the state, including surgical procedures and hormonal medication.
“I will burn this session to the ground,” Nebraska State Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh of Omaha said in opposition to LB574, putting a national spotlight on the nation’s only unicameral statehouse over the last few weeks. “You cannot stop me.”
The legislative body is officially nonpartisan. However, democratic senators have been filibustering every piece of legislation to come to the floor to slow down the state legislature. As a result, it has not passed a single bill.
Proponents of LB 574 spoke during the floor debate arguing that youth should not permanently alter their bodies but can choose to do so after maturing to adulthood.
“This is a way for kids who are dealing with serious mental issues to take a break and to not worry about the physical ramifications,” said Sen. Kathleen Kauth of Omaha, who introduced the bill in January. “Not worry about having to do the surgery or cross-sex hormones but focus on counseling and therapy.”
Below are photos and videos from Nebraska’s April 13, 2023, legislative day.
Sen. Dungan of Lincoln highted messages he has received from trans youth about leaving Nebraska.
“They want to stay, but they feel like they can’t.”
nebraska sen. george dungan
A social worker in the rotunda spoke about how this bill will impact the care she gives her clients, and will more than likely be writing suicide safety plans.
“This will cause suicides.”
Nebraskan social worker against lb 574
Sen. Murman of Glenvil spoke in support of the legislation and referenced studies conducted in Europe. He argued that there has not been a reduction or increase in transgender suicide after surgical procedures have been done.
“We need to protect them while they’re children.”
State sen. dave murman
“Nothin in this bill is transphobic, homophobic or bigoted.”
State sen. Brad von gillern
Sen. Megan Hunt of Omaha pushed back saying the conservative proponents and highlighted the suicide line spiking after the advancement of LB 574.
“You don’t know what you’re talking about. Suicide is prevented when kids are loved and affirmed.”
State sen. megan hunt
Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh of Omaha breaks down on the mic and apologizes to parents of transgender youth.
“I’m sorry your children got dragged into this. You are loved.”
State sen. Machaela cavanaugh
Sen. John Fredrickson of Omaha consoled Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh while Sen. Megan Hunt spoke on the mic on how gender-affirming care is needed for trans youth in Nebraska and highlighted being a parent with a child who receives it. She says this has ruined her relationship with her colleagues.
Speaker John Arch of La Vista announced that the legislature would stand at ease for 15 minutes as the bill neared cloture.
When asked her thoughts on working with the opponents on an amendment for the bill before final reading. Sen. Kathleen Kauth expressed she is willing to work with the other side and is hopeful they can hammer out details to make the bill better.
“This is a way for kids who are dealing with serious mental issues to take a break and to not worry about the physical ramifications. Not worry about having to do the surgeries or the cross-sex hormones but focus on counseling and therapy,” she said.
“Let’s make sure they are as healthy as possible and as good a place as possible for when they eventually are ready to make that decision”
State sen. Kathleen Kauth
