Nebraska lawmakers amended a 12-week abortion ban to a bill that would ban gender-affirming care for minors in the state Tuesday night. The party-line vote was successful with the help of Sen. Mike McDonnell of Omaha breaking from the Democrats.
Sen. Ben Hansen of Blair filed the 12-week abortion ban amendment on May 8 after Merve Riepie of Ralson blocked a proposed 6-week ban on April 27 by abstaining from the vote. The 6-week ban would have prohibited abortions after an ultrasound could detect embryotic cardiac activity.
The proposed 12-week ban allows exceptions for rape, incest and saving the mother’s life. However, the ban does not allow for fatal fetal anomalies.
Sen. Kathleen Kauth of Omaha introduced LB574 at the start of the session. The “Let Them Grow Act,” would ban gender-affirming care for trans youth, including genital surgeries, cross-sex hormones and puberty blockers.
“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,” Kauth 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.”
Although the Nebraska Unicameral is officially nonpartisan, LB574 garnered fierce opposition from Democratic lawmakers. Sens. Machaela Cavanaugh and Megan Hunt, both of Omaha, led a filibuster for most of the legislative session, slowing down all legislative proceedings.
After Nebraska lawmakers advanced LB574 on a party-line vote to final debate, Sen. Kauth said she would negotiate an amendment to make compromises on LB574 with Democratic lawmakers. She later called the negotiations “listening sessions.”
Proponents of both pieces of legislation showed support in the Capitol Rotunda in the form of prayer and worship. However, hundreds of opponents of the bans also flooded the Capitol Rotunda to voice opposition to the bill with signs and chants.
There is one more round of debate and a final vote before the legislation is sent to Gov. Jim Pillen to sign.
Below are images and videos of the day.
Republican lawmakers exited the chamber through a secret passageway, and Democratic lawmakers exited through the main glass doors.
