Vision Christian Media | July 21, 2023
Original article can be viewed HERE

Louisiana’s Republican lawmakers have overridden their state’s Democrat Governor John Bel Edward’s veto of a ban on gender transition treatments for children.

The bill prohibits healthcare professionals from providing surgeries, puberty blockers and hormone treatments to children who identify as transgender. It also requires them to systematically reduce and discontinue transitions of minors who are already receiving treatment. The Christian Post reports doctors and medical assistants who offend could lose their licences and be sued for damages by patients.

Governor Edwards used his power to veto the bill, but the Republican dominated Legislature gathered at the Capitol in Baton Rouge this week for a one-day veto session — only the third such session since 1974.

In order to override the governor, a two-thirds approval from both the House and Senate is required. The GOP currently holds a two-thirds majority in both chambers. The override had the votes needed, with a few Democrats siding with Republicans, turning the bill into law, pending any possible court battles that may block or delay the ban. It’s due to take effect on January 1.

The Associated Press reports Republican lawmakers maintain that they are trying to protect children, while their opponents argue the bill would do the opposite, leading to heightened risks of stress, depression and suicidal thoughts among an already vulnerable group.

Supporters argued that the ban proactively addresses a problem that they fear could intensify if minors from surrounding states, where there are bans, travel to Louisiana to seek gender-affirming care. “If we don’t pass this bill, Louisiana will become the destination for children across the entire South to undergo these life-altering and irreversible medical experiments,” said Gabe Firment, the Republican who authored the bill.

Louisiana’s LGBT community claims so-called ‘gender-affirming’ care in the state is not as easily accessible as conservatives make it seem and the problem being presented is unfounded in the state.

Louisiana joins 20 other states that have enacted similar bans, although many face lawsuits which have led to temporary blocks by federal judges in Alabama and Indiana. Opponents are confident that all courts will find the laws unconstitutional and strike them down which has happened in Arkansas.

The American College of Pediatricians has warned of possible side effects caused by puberty blockers and hormone treatments. They include heart attacks, stroke, cancer and sterility.