Senator Pulls Bill That Would Have Imposed Health Care Restrictions For Transgender Youth

By Julie O'Donoghue, Louisiana Illuminator

April 28, 2021

Sen. Mike Fesi, R-Houma, pulled his legislation Tuesday that would have restricted health care for transgender children and teenagers by requiring people under 18 years old to get written permission from both their parents before pursuing medical care and mental health services.

This means that Fesi’s proposal is no long in play for the session, but three other bills that would impose restrictions on transgender people still are during the Louisiana Legislature’s session that ends in June.

Health care professionals and transgender advocates told lawmakers on the Senate Health and Welfare Committee Fesi’s bill would have made it harder for transgender children and teens to access health care. Parents who are not an active part of a child’s life would have been able to block care for children if they didn’t accept their gender identity.

The bill was opposed by a range of health groups, including some of the state’s largest hospitals and health care systems. A handful of doctors, social workers, and therapists publicly testified against the bill — saying it would criminalize their services. Four hundred people and organizations submitted cards saying they didn’t not want the legislation to pass.

No witnesses came forward to support the legislation other than Fesi himself. The other three bills that would impose transgender restrictions have not come up for a vote yet.

Gov. John Bel Edwards has already said he will veto any bill that imposes transgender restrictions if it reaches his desk.

New Orleans tourism leaders have also said the legislation could have a negative impact on the state’s economy. Several artists, sports leagues and other business leaders might refuse to hold events or travel to New Orleans and the rest of Louisiana if such legislation passed. Many groups — including the NBA and NCAA — have been willing to boycott states that have imposed restrictions on the transgender and gay communities in recent years.

This is a developing story. Please check back later for more details.

The Louisiana Illuminator is an independent, nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization driven by its mission to cast light on how decisions are made in Baton Rouge and how they affect the lives of everyday Louisianians, particularly those who are poor or otherwise marginalized.