Washington, D.C. – Today, Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee (CWALAC), the nation’s largest public policy women’s organization, praised the Louisiana legislature for enacting H.B.648, the “Stop Harming Our Kids Act,” a ban on gender alterations for minors, overriding Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards veto of the bill. The law will ban doctors from prescribing puberty blockers, hormone therapy, and surgical interventions for minors.

“This was a victorious day for Louisiana’s children with the state legislature’s bi-partisan vote to override Gov. Edwards’ veto of common-sense legislation, the Stop Harming Our Kids Act,” said CWA of Louisiana State Director Laura Huber. “Our legislators sent a very clear message that Gov. Edwards does not have the authority to allow harm to come to a child. We are grateful for the hard work of bill sponsor Rep. Gabe Firment (R-District 22) and for the state legislators who voted to leave a legacy of protection for Louisiana’s children from medical harm and life-altering sex-change procedures.”

Louisiana will join 20 other states that have enacted similar laws restricting or banning harmful surgeries and experimental drugs from being administered to children who have expressed a desire to transition to the opposite sex. These bans will protect minors from permanent life-altering decisions. The ban is scheduled to go into effect January 1, 2024.

“Our children are vulnerable and impressionable and told a lie that they are in the wrong body. Thank you, Louisiana, for fighting to protect our little ones,” said Penny Nance, CEO and President of CWALAC. “As more de-transitioners come out exposing the immensely harmful effects of these procedures, legislators need to take action to protect children from undergoing irreversible damage to their bodies. Our hope is that other states will look to Louisiana as an example and follow in their footsteps.”

Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee has been at the very forefront of this battle for our nation’s children by urging legislators and lawmakers to protect children and hold those healthcare professionals abusing their positions accountable.