OKLAHOMA CITY (February 9, 2023)— Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs President Jonathan Small today praised senators for advancing legislation that would prevent children from undergoing sex-reassignment surgeries, cross-sex hormones, or puberty blockers, before age 18.

“There is growing evidence, acknowledged across the globe, that many so-called transgender procedures produce long-term physical and emotional harm for many young people,” Small said. “While an adult may enter into such treatment with his eyes wide open, a child, even a teenager, simply cannot, as evidenced by the heartbreaking testimony of so many detransitioners who today regret their youthful decisions and are speaking out in favor of legal bans. Governor Kevin Stitt and lawmakers are doing the right thing for Oklahoma children by advancing these common-sense protections.

“Some of the legislators who have worked diligently to put meaningful protections in place, and who are worthy of appreciation, are Sen. Warren Hamilton, Sen. David Bullard, Sen. Nathan Dahm, Sen. Shane Jett, Sen. Rob Standridge, Sen. Julie Daniels, Rep. Jim Olsen, and Rep. Kevin West.”

Members of the Senate Rules Committee overwhelmingly voted in favor of two bills yesterday.

Senate Bill 613 states, “A health care provider shall not provide gender transition procedures to any child.”

Senate Bill 129 states, “Public funds shall not be directly or indirectly used, granted, paid, or distributed to any entity, organization, or individual that provides gender transition procedures.”