Bill Banning Gender-Affirming Care For Minors Passes Through The OK Senate

Senate bill 613, the bill that would ban gender-affirming care for minors, passes out of the senate.

Bill 613 passed through committee last week with mostly republican support, today’s discussions were similar.

“My heart goes out to the families, the parents and the children suffering through these very troubling, discouraging and confusing times,” Senator Julie Daniels (R) said.

Democrats say it’s taking power away from parents and healthcare providers.

“The legislature today injected itself into that process and basically told parents ‘we don’t have enough faith in you to make important decisions around your children,’” said Senator Kay Floyd (D).

Parents or healthcare providers who violate this, if this bill becomes law, could be facing felony charges and $100,000 or 10 years in prison.

Republicans seemed to be overwhelmingly in support of bill 613.

Senator Daniels says it all comes back to protecting Oklahoma children.

“That’s what we’re doing today as policy makers, stepping in and making the best decision we can to the benefit of Oklahoma’s children,” Daniels said.