OKLAHOMA CITY (May 2, 2023)—Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs President Jonathan Small announced today that OCPA will be organizing a coalition of groups and individuals for the purpose of defending a new state law that prevents children from undergoing sex-reassignment surgeries, cross-sex hormones, or puberty blockers before age 18.

“The Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs works to shape culture, policy, and politics for freedom so that all Oklahomans can thrive—especially the most vulnerable,” Small said. “It is common sense that our laws should protect children from actions that are life-altering, and often physically and mentally harmful, until those children first have the chance to become adults.”

Senate Bill 613 states, “A health care provider shall not knowingly provide gender transition procedures to any child.” Penalties for violation include felony charges, license revocation, and civil actions, which can be filed by a parent or guardian.

Groups including the American Civil Liberties Union and the ACLU of Oklahoma have threatened to file lawsuits to overturn the law.

Ryan Haynie, general counsel for the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs, will head OCPA’s effort to defend the law.

“Should progressive activists choose to bring suit, we feel confident that Attorney General Gentner Drummond will do a great job defending our state’s laws,” Haynie said. “We look forward to organizing a coalition that can advance external legal efforts defending the law, including filing an amicus brief.”

“At OCPA, we established our Center for Culture and the Family because we recognize the importance of protecting children from harm—including socially induced harm,” Small said. “With a policy issue of this magnitude that is likely to find its way into court, it’s important that non-government entities that advance conservative policy join in this important fight. We invite others to join us.”