Oklahoma House Passes Ban on Gender Transition Services for Minors

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. (KOKH) — On Wednesday evening, the Oklahoma House passed SB 613, a bill that would prohibit gender transition services for minors in the state.

The measure also stipulates that medical providers could face legal consequences if they provide such services, which include surgeries and hormone treatments.

Sen. Julie Daniels (R-Bartlesville) and Rep. Toni Hasenbeck (R-Elgin) are the bill’s principal authors.

The proposal inspired lively debate on the House floor.

According to Rep. Jim Olsen (R-Roland), “It is not possible to change a biological female to a male. It is not possible to change a male to a biological female. This is simply delusional.”

Rep. Jared Deck (D-Norman) spoke in opposition to the legislation, arguing, “Bills such as these send a message across our country, and I will repeat myself. We are too weak to accept diversity. That we are too ignorant to accept things that are new.”

The measure passed the House with 73 votes in favor and 18 votes in opposition.

“I heard it said in here, you know, these decisions are like choosing our sport. No, they’re not,” asserted Rep. Scott Fetgatter (R-Okmulgee), speaking in favor of SB 613.

Rep. Meloyde Blancett (D-Tulsa) urged her colleagues to vote the proposal down.

“Leave this between kids and their parents. Please,” she shared.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Oklahoma, Freedom Oklahoma, and Planned Parenthood Great Plains voiced opposition to the measure.

According to a joint press release from the three organizations, “The ACLU of Oklahoma and our partners are determined to fight these baseless laws and are prepared to move forward with legal action should any of these bills be signed into law.”

This bill carries an emergency clause, so it would take effect immediately should it eventually get Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt’s signature.

SB 613 now heads to the Oklahoma Senate for further consideration.