State Senator Machaela Cavanaugh yelled, “Transgender people belong here; we need trans people; we love trans people.”
During a debate on a bill to restrict sex change surgeries for kids in Nebraska on Friday morning, one Democratic member began shouting her support for transgender people, leading to mayhem in the unicameral legislature.
Republican Gov. Jim Pillen was sent a bill that would outlaw sex change treatments for minors and abortions beyond 12 weeks of pregnancy. The bill ultimately passed both houses of the legislature and was brought to Pillen’s desk to be signed into law.
Democratic state senator Machaela Cavanaugh stormed the podium early Friday morning to express her opposition to the bill, yelling, “Transgender people belong here; we need trans people; we love trans people.”
You’re important. I will defend your rights because I care about you. I will not give up!” Cavanaugh shouted, using the she” and “her pronouns that are included on her Twitter profile. I won’t give up now, and I won’t give up tomorrow. You are cherished. You are important. You are at home here.
It was less than a minute into the legislative session when Cavanaugh started ranting.
Conservatives who supported the hybrid law that contains safeguards for unborn infants were also attacked by Cavanaugh, who predicted that residents, medical professionals, and businesses would flee the state as a result.
Cavanaugh said that parents should be aware that their children are using social media and calling them at work. Your vote will affect your life forever. You must accept the part you play in history as it is being made right now. You must accept the consequences of your vote to restrict the rights of others. You just have to accept that. You have to deal with the consequences of that, just like the rest of us do.
“Think about the fact that you didn’t get much rest after Tuesday night. She said, “You don’t have to vote for this,” before labeling yes-voters as “weak.”
To add insult to injury, Cavanaugh said that measure’s backers “allowed” themselves to be “bought by the governor.”
The package, which included both provisions, was passed when Republican lawmakers managed to coax enough votes to halt a filibuster. Governor Pillen has committed to signing the bill into law after actively promoting it and meeting with legislators to get support.
The legislation includes a prohibition on abortion after 12 weeks, with exceptions for rape and incest. With a few exceptions, the measure would make it illegal for transgender people under 19 to have gender transition surgery.
Rules for puberty blockers and hormone therapy for transgender minors in the state would be established by the state’s chief medical officer, who is a political appointee and is currently an ear, nose, and throat doctor. Children who were already receiving care prior to the ban’s implementation will be exempt from it.
During the debate, several Republicans, like state Sen. Steve Erdman, expressed support for the legislation by pointing out the Democrats’ inconsistencies.
“Statement that abortion is medical care is like stating that sexual assault is making love, Erdman once said.
Debate was temporarily halted on Friday when demonstrators in the gallery screamed at conservative members and threw what seemed to be bloody tampons. A chorus of “Shame! Shame! Shame! Shame!” echoed through the halls as lawmakers cast their ballots.
After the bill was passed, at least six protesters were arrested at the Nebraska legislative house.
The governors of Texas and Missouri have measures pending, while at least 17 states have passed laws restricting or banning transgender operations, hormones, and therapies for children. Advocates and medical groups say transgender adolescents are at risk for health problems because of these restrictions.
This week, North Carolina joined a growing list of states that have implemented limitations on abortion after the Supreme Court ruled to overturn the 1973 Roe v. Wade verdict, which legalized abortion across the country last year. Fourteen states have implemented complete prohibitions on pregnancy.
A number of states, including Nebraska, have implemented abortion and transgender restrictions in recent years.
A six-week restriction that was mooted last month did not make any headway.