LINCOLN, Neb. – A proposed ban on gender-affirming care for transgender youth cleared its first round of debate today. Nebraska state senators overcame a filibuster with 33 votes and then advanced LB 574 on a 30 - 17 vote. The ban will need to clear two more rounds of votes before heading to Gov. Jim Pillen’s desk.
American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Nebraska Legal and Policy Counsel Jane Seu made this statement on today’s vote:
“Today’s vote on this radical bill should be a wake-up call for every Nebraskan who believes in equality,” Seu said. “Now is the time to contact your senator. LB 574 violates families’ rights to guide their own children’s care and to receive health care free of discrimination. It disregards clear opposition from medical experts. It’s extreme government overreach. And worst of all, it threatens young Nebraskans’ health and well-being. The bottom line here remains that trans youth need support and affirmation, not to be made a political target.”
Today’s vote comes after the bill’s hearing last month drew hundreds of Nebraskans to the Capitol in opposition. Dozens of Nebraskans waited in line for hours to testify only to be denied the opportunity after the committee cut off testimony.
According to an ACLU bill tracker, LB 574 is one of more than 100 bills nationwide focused on limiting LGBTQ+ people’s access to health care, many of which are aimed at trans youth. Major medical organizations such as the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics oppose these proposals and have stated that gender-affirming care is medically necessary to support the physical and mental health of young trans patients.
LB 574 is one of two Nebraska bills specifically targeting trans youth that was introduced this session. LB 575, a ban on trans youth playing school sports consistent with their gender identity, currently remains in committee.
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