The governor of Oklahoma has made it a crime to perform irreversible gender reassignment surgeries on children

Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt has banned all gender reassignment procedures for minors in the state, including irreversible gender reassignment surgeries and hormone therapy, joining at least 15 other states with similar laws.

The Republican governor signed into law SB 613 on Monday, which would make it a crime for health care providers to administer sex surgery, anti-puberty drugs or doses of hormones that suppress or delay puberty to children under 18. normal. It also prohibits the use of any medication or surgery for the purpose of gender reassignment.

Violators may lose their medical license or be subject to civil action by a parent or guardian.

“Last year, I called for a statewide ban on all irreversible sex-reassignment surgery and hormone therapy on minors, so I’m happy to sign it today to protect our children,” Stitt said. “We cannot ignore what is happening in our country, and as governor, I am proud to stand up for what is right and ban life-changing bypass surgeries for children in the state. Oklahoma State.”

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The law comes amid a broad wave of states across the country attacking the legality of gender reassignment procedures.

Republican-led states have supported limiting or banning such procedures, arguing that children under 18 — who are not legally allowed to get tattoos, smoke or drink — are not old enough to think about the consequences of the actions. a potentially life-changing life. decisions.

Democratic-leaning states have argued that the decision to change a child’s gender should be left to the child, with or without the support of a parent or guardian.

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The American Civil Liberties Union of Oklahoma and other civil liberties organizations have vowed to “take legal action as necessary” to stop the Oklahoma law from taking effect.

Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt has called for a statewide ban on all irreversible sex-reassignment surgeries and hormone therapy for minors. (via Chris Kleponis/Polaris/Bloomberg Getty Images)

At least 16 states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Mississippi, Montana, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Utah, South Dakota and the West, have passed laws restricting or banning sex surgery on minors. . Virginia. .

Ongoing lawsuits in Alabama and Arkansas have stalled law enforcement.

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This year, nearly two dozen states are considering or debating bills to limit or ban gender reassignment procedures.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has ordered child welfare officials to investigate reports of transgender children as child abuse. (Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

In addition, Florida, Missouri, and Texas have banned or restricted medical procedures for reassignment of a person’s sex through regulations or administrative orders.

A judge blocked Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s order in part because it required child welfare officials to investigate reports of transgender children as child abusers. These investigations were blocked.

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Missouri is the only state that has restricted these procedures for both children and adults. A federal judge blocked those restrictions.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.