In a significant legislative move, the Louisiana House of Representatives, with its Republican majority, voted to overturn Governor John Bel Edwards' veto of House Bill 648, also known as the Stop Harming Our Kids Act. This bill prohibits healthcare professionals from providing gender-affirming care, including surgeries, hormone therapy, and puberty blockers, to transgender minors in the state.

The override passed with a 75-23 vote and now requires at least 26 votes in the state Senate to become law. Representative Gabe Firment, the bill's sponsor, expressed confidence in its passage due to strong bipartisan support in both legislative chambers. He emphasized the bill's aim to safeguard children from what he terms "experimental" medical interventions.

The image depicts Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards and, separately, a demonstrator holding a sign at a protest against LGBTQ+ rights.

Governor Edwards, in his veto message, argued that the bill infringes upon parental rights and restricts access to necessary healthcare for a vulnerable population. He asserted that gender-affirming surgeries are not currently performed on minors in Louisiana and that the bill's basis lies in misinformation rather than factual evidence.

This image shows Governor Edwards and his wife at a state dinner.

Supporters of the override celebrated the House's decision, contending that it enhances the safety of minors in Louisiana. Mark Trammell, executive director of the Center for American Liberty, lauded the legislature's action, framing it as a measure to protect children from potentially harmful medical interventions.

The photo shows individuals protesting against a transgender health bill.

In addition to the gender-affirming care bill, Governor Edwards also vetoed HB 81, which mandates the use of students' sex-assigned-at-birth pronouns by educators, and HB 466, which restricts classroom discussions of gender identity and sexual orientation in K-12 schools. The House failed to override the veto on HB 81.