Nebraska’s ban on gender-affirming surgeries for minors takes effect Sunday

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – On Sunday, Nebraska’s ban on gender-affirming health care for minors will go into effect.

Legislative Bill 574 was heavily debated during this year’s legislative session, resulting in filibusters that slowed progress on a number of bills.

The bill bans gender-affirming surgeries for minors.

But over three months after the bill’s passing, the rules covering hormones and puberty blockers have yet to be determined.

Grant Friedman, a legal fellow with the American Civil Liberties Union of Nebraska, said the law does have a grandfather clause.

“So, if you are currently receiving treatment, then those treatments can remain in effect.” he said. “In terms of receiving new treatment, without regulations by the chief medical officer, we currently do not know what can and cannot be accessed.”

Earlier this year, Gov. Jim Pillen appointed a new chief medical officer, Dr. Timothy Tesmer, who is an ear, nose and throat doctor.

During his confirmation hearing, Tesmer said he would work with a team of “multidisciplinary health care providers” to come up with the rules.

The state is still working on developing those regulations, according to the Nebraska Examiner,

Those then have to go through a public hearing and be approved by both Pillen and Attorney General Mike Hilgers.

Abbi Swatsworth with OutNebraska said it’s clear that the state isn’t ready for the law to go into effect.

“Our community and the families in our community continue to be terrorized by this law and the lack of clarity,” she said. “Folks are talking about leaving the state, and with them goes their tax dollars, their brains and their dedication to our Nebraska communities.”

On Sunday afternoon, OutNebraska and other advocacy groups are gathering for a rally at the Capitol.

There, they said they will have more information about the law, its impact on Nebraskans, its legal implications and the next steps.