Oklahoma governor signs gender-affirming care ban for kids

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Oklahoma is the latest state to ban gender-affirming medical care for minors. Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt signed a bill Monday (May 1, 2023) that makes it a felony for health care workers to provide children with treatments that can include puberty-blocking drugs and hormones. Oklahoma joins at least 15 other states with laws banning such care, as conservatives across the country have targeted transgender rights. Stitt made the ban a priority of this year’s legislative session, saying he wanted to protect children. Transgender advocates and parents of transgender children say such care is essential.