A contentious bill, previously believed to have been inactive, that seeks to prohibit gender-affirming medical care for transgender minors in Louisiana, has been approved by the Senate on Monday and is anticipated to make its way to the governor’s office for consideration in the approaching days.

The bill was endorsed by the Senate, with a majority vote of 29-10, primarily along party lines.

This legislation would bar transgender youths in Louisiana from receiving hormone treatments, gender-affirming surgeries, and puberty-blocking medications, the Associated Press has reported.

The bill is set to return to the House, which had previously passed it with significant support, to finalize minor amendments. These include a modification of the effective date of the law, pushing it to January 1, 2024.

Should the House concur with the changes, the bill will then be presented to Governor John Bel Edwards, a Democrat who holds opposition to the bill.

The governor’s stance on whether he will veto the bill remains unclear. In the event of a veto, lawmakers could convene a session to discuss overriding his decision.

In the previous legislative session, Edwards opted not to obstruct a law prohibiting transgender athletes from participating in sports competitions designated for women and girls in Louisiana.

However, he had successfully vetoed a similar measure the previous year.

Written by staff