The Nebraska legislature passed a bill on Friday that prohibits abortions after 12 weeks as well as gender-related treatment for minors.
When Nebraska attempted to ban abortions after six weeks previously, the measure failed to pass by one vote. This time, state GOP Sen. Ben Hansen added the 12-week abortion ban to the Let Them Grow Act, a law prohibiting gender-related treatment for minors.
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The original bill was introduced in January, with Hansen adding his amendment last week. Late Friday, the legislature reached its supermajority of 33 votes, with 15 voting against the measures. Democratic State Sen. Justin Wayne was excused from the vote. The Washington Examiner has reached out to Wayne's office for comment.
The vote was met with protesters inside Nebraska's Capitol. Some were pictured holding signs that read "Respect my trans homies." Chairwoman of the Nebraska Democratic Party Jane Kleeb echoed protesters' sentiments.
"Extremists in the legislature decided that the mental health, the economic impact, and the private decisions between a doctor and a patient are not worth protecting, and instead enacted harmful and discriminatory legislation," Kleeb wrote in a statement. "The extremists showed the entire state that they are pro-life in name only since they can’t seem to lift a finger helping kids and families, all they can do is play to the worst of culture wars meant to demean and divide."
“Despite the medical community coming out in full opposition. Despite local businesses vocalizing the economic harm and the bill’s acceleration of brain drain. And despite a mobilized movement of supporters across the state, extremists voted against the majority of Nebraskans.“
— Jane Kleeb????????????️ (@janekleeb) May 19, 2023
Kleeb also promised to put the new law to a vote for the public.
"All children deserve a chance to grow and live happy, fruitful lives. This includes pre-born boys and girls, and it includes children struggling with their gender identity," Gov. Jim Pillen (R-NE) wrote in a statement. "These kids deserve the opportunity to grow and explore who they are and want to be, and they can do so without making irreversible decisions that should be made when they are fully grown."
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It remains to be seen when Pillen will sign the bill into law.
Nebraska reports 86% of abortions occur before 12 weeks. This newest law includes exceptions for rape, incest, and the life of the mother.