OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Mauree Turner, D-OKC, today released the following statement regarding the recent ruling of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma rejecting a request to temporarily block an Oklahoma law banning gender-affirming medical care for transgender youth.
“Friday, the attacks on trans youth continued with the OK federal court ruling to dismiss a request to hold off on implementing SB 613, which would have allowed Oklahoma youth access to best practice medical care. This will continue to chip away at all of our freedom to choose health care that works for us, as well as drive more physicians and physician assistants out of the state.
We have already seen some of our state’s top doctors in pediatric care leave Oklahoma due to the legislature’s relentless onslaught of hate, bigotry, and targeted attacks on their professional medical expertise. While these laws are targeted to do away with 2-Spirit, Gender Non-conforming, and Trans (2SGNCT+) Oklahomans, this is harming the healthcare system for all Oklahomans.
Oklahomans were being lost due to SB 613 just being published – now that it is in effect we will lose more. 2-Spirit, Trans, Gender non-conforming, and everyone who makes the decision to live openly are not only worth fighting for, they are worth living. I know the beauty of our communities and I will keep fighting.
During this past legislative session, we heard many members state ‘these kids need to wait to make this permanent solution.’ While this piece of legislation makes exceptions for youth whose parents think they have entered into puberty too soon, or too late, and so much more. The truth is this is an attack on 2SGNCT+ youth, and shaping how they see themselves, or don’t, as adults in this state and the world.
This is nothing more than transphobia, and bigotry in the place of policy written by the authors of this legislation. While Oklahomans don’t have a living wage, healthcare is vanishing, and access to affordable housing is nowhere to be found. We have real issues to worry about in Oklahoma like the survival of 2SGNCT+ kids, and getting the healthcare they need and creating an atmosphere where parents of 2SGNCT+ kids aren’t afraid for them to live here.
Don’t forget that just a few months ago in June of 2023 the federal courts for Arkansas struck down the state’s best Practice Medical Care ban. Thankful for legal advocates such as ACLU of Oklahoma, ACLU national, Lambda Legal, and Jenner & Block for taking this unjust law to court. While we’re waiting on the final ruling, make sure that you are taking care of the two spirit, gender non-conforming, trans community members around you when you can. That is food, shelter, community, and more. Take the bold step to lean into community care.”
Gender-affirming care is a supportive form of healthcare. It consists of an array of services that may include medical, surgical, mental health, and non-medical services for transgender and nonbinary people.
Those who are struggling can reach out to:Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860Trevor Project: call 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678-678LGBT National Hotline: 888-843-4564Freedom Oklahoma: 405-446-8836Housing Resource – Sisu Youth Services: 405-459-7478
Get Local News!
