Governor rejects bill safeguarding kids from transgender procedures in GOP-dominated state.

Democratic Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards Vetoes Bill Protecting Children from Transgender Surgeries

In a controversial move, Democratic Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards has vetoed a bill aimed at safeguarding children from life-altering transgender surgeries and hormone procedures.

“Stop Harming Our Kids Act” Vetoed

The bill, known as the “Stop Harming Our Kids Act,” would have prohibited a wide range of transgender procedures on children, including double mastectomies for girls who identify as boys, as well as the administration of cross-sex hormones and puberty blockers.

Governor Edwards Claims No Legitimate State Interest

In a letter to Louisiana House Speaker Clay Schexnadyer explaining his veto, Governor Edwards claimed that there is no legitimate state interest or rational basis to justify harming this small population of children, their families, and the healthcare professionals who care for them. He argued that the bill would impose cruel and extreme consequences on children by denying them necessary healthcare.

14th Amendment and Limited Government Concerns

Furthermore, Governor Edwards contended that the bill would violate the 14th Amendment and urged lawmakers who believe in limited government not to support what he characterized as a targeted assault on children.

Potential Path Forward Despite Veto

Despite the governor’s veto, there is still hope for the bill as the state’s House and Senate are dominated by Republicans. The bill passed the Senate by a vote of 29-10 and the House by a vote of 75-25.

Republican Senator Initially Blocked the Bill

Interestingly, a Republican state senator initially held up the bill in committee before it was moved to another committee where it eventually advanced. Governor Edwards reportedly exerted pressure on lawmakers to kill the bill.

Transgender Procedure Bans in Other States

Approximately 20 states, including Kentucky, which is also governed by a Democrat, have passed bans on life-altering transgender procedures for children. However, these laws have faced legal challenges, with federal judges in several states blocking portions or all of the bills, citing potential violations of the 14th Amendment.

Tennessee Attorney General Fights for Children’s Protection

Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti has filed a motion for an emergency stay from the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals after a federal judge placed a temporary injunction on Tennessee’s prohibition of cross-sex hormones and puberty blockers for children. These procedures have been shown to have significant and irreversible impacts on young lives.

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