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May 22, 2023

Nebraska Republicans Ban Abortions at 12 Weeks and Gender-Affirming Care for Youth
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Back in the U.S., Nebraska's Republican-led Legislature passed a bill
banning abortion after 12 weeks and gender-affirming treatment for
transgender youth. Republican Governor Jim Pillen has backed the bill
and said he will sign it.
At least six people were arrested Friday as protesters interrupted
legislative debate at Nebraska's Capitol building in Lincoln. State
Senator Megan Hunt, whose son is transgender, has joined state Senator
Machaela Cavanaugh in a months-long filibuster to block the measure.
She's delivered blistering rebukes of her Republican colleagues who
pushed through the bill. She spoke last Wednesday.

Sen. Megan Hunt: "This person said that they had attempted suicide
during this session in Nebraska, a trans person. And I said to them, 'Do
not let one of these trash people who I work with be the reason that
you're not here. They don't matter. The potential you have for the rest
of your life is so much bigger than the damage any of these trash people
can do in their little four-year or eight-year term.' … Senator Kauth
has stood up and said that trans kids are suicidal and depressed because
they're trans. No, it's because of bullies like her, who are trying to
legislate their existence and take away their right to be viewed as
fully human in our culture and society."



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