ACLU sues over newly signed Oklahoma legislation banning gender-transition remedy for minors

The ink was barely dry on Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt’s signature when the American Civil Liberties Union sued to cease the enforcement of Senate Bill 613, a legislation banning gender-transition hormones and surgical procedures for minor youngsters.

The ACLU and Lambda Legal filed a authorized problem Tuesday in Oklahoma federal courtroom to dam the newly signed legislation, which makes it a felony to supply gender-transition remedy to these below 18. The problem argues that the state legislation violates the U.S. Constitution’s equal safety clause.

“We all deserve the freedom to control our bodies and seek the healthcare we need, including gender-affirming care,” stated Megan Lambert, ACLU of Oklahoma authorized director. “The ACLU of Oklahoma and our partners have warned lawmakers that we will take swift action on any ban on gender-affirming care signed into law, and today is the day we make good on that promise.”

Oklahoma turned the 18th state to limit gender-transition procedures for minors when the Republican governor signed the invoice Monday after it overwhelmingly handed each chambers on party-line votes. The legislation takes impact instantly.

“Last year, I called for a statewide ban on all irreversible gender transition surgeries and hormone therapies on minors so I am thrilled to sign this into law today and protect our kids,” stated Mr. Stitt. “We cannot turn a blind eye to what’s happening across our nation, and as governor I am proud to stand up for what’s right and ban life-altering transition surgeries on children in the state of Oklahoma.”

Those cheering the invoice’s passage included Matt Sharp, director of the Alliance Defending Freedom Center for Legislative Advocacy, who counseled Mr. Stitt and the Legislature for “standing for truth.”

“Denying the truth that we are either male or female hurts real people, especially vulnerable children,” stated Mr. Sharp. “Young people deserve to live in a society that doesn’t subject them to risky experiments to which they cannot effectively consent, including so-called ‘gender transition’ surgeries and drugs.”

He famous that a number of European international locations, together with Sweden, England and Finland, are reining in such procedures for youngsters.

“By enacting this legislation, Oklahoma has taken a critical step toward protecting children and parents from being pressured into life-altering, often-sterilizing surgeries and drugs,” Mr. Sharp stated.

I simply signed into legislation a statewide ban on all gender transition surgical procedures and hormone therapies for youngsters below 18. We should shield our children!https://t.co/BJlX4BBY4c

— Governor Kevin Stitt (@GovStitt) May 2, 2023

The ACLU lawsuit filed on behalf of Oklahoma City Dr. Shauna Lawlis and 5 youngsters ages 12-17 present process gender-transition remedy stated the legislation would have “devastating consequences for transgender adolescents in Oklahoma.”

“These adolescents will be unable to obtain critical medical care that their health care providers have recommended and their parents agree they need,” stated the submitting. “Further, those already receiving care will have their treatment halted. For some transgender adolescents, the prospect of losing necessary medical care is unbearable.”

The ACLU has been busy, submitting three lawsuits within the final week to dam measures banning “gender-affirming care” in Indiana, Missouri and Tennessee.

“We’re confident the state will find itself completely incapable of defending this law in court and welcome the opportunity to fight for the safety, dignity, and equality of trans Oklahomans,” stated Harper Seldin, ACLU LGBTQ & HIV Project workers lawyer.

American Principles Project President Terry Schilling disagreed, applauding Mr. Stitt for signing the measure and declaring that the “momentum is on our side.”

“While the predatory transgender industry has tried to sell the country on what it euphemistically calls ‘gender-affirming care,’ more and more Americans are recognizing this for what it actually is: physical sterilization and mutilation for the sake of ideology and profit,” Mr. Schilling stated.