(Legislative Bill 574). She is the only senator to speak on the floor for such an extended period, but her actions have not gone unnoticed. Cavanaugh’s protest has prevented the legislation from being passed, as the filibuster’s aim is to delay or prevent legislation from being passed by keeping Senators from taking a vote on it.
The Let Them Grow Act would restrict gender-affirming healthcare for transgender and nonbinary children under the age of 19 across Nebraska. In a post on Twitter, Cavanaugh said that Republicans were “legislating hate” against transgender children, which prompted her to begin the filibuster. She added that she would continue until the controversial bill was either withdrawn or tabled.
The proposed legislation has been met with opposition from a variety of LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, who argue that it would establish an unprecedented level of state intervention in the private lives and healthcare of transgender and nonbinary youth. Speaking to NBC News, the LGBTQ+ advocacy group, The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), expressed its concerns that the proposed legislation would harm some of Nebraska’s “most vulnerable children.”
Many Nebraska residents have also opposed the Let Them Grow Act. During a public hearing at which the bill was discussed, people recounted their personal stories of coming out as transgender and facing discrimination in their daily lives. Transgender and nonbinary children and their families discussed their medical treatment and how it had helped them to live healthy, happy lives.
Cavanaugh’s filibuster has so far prevented the bill from being passed, and the state Senate has failed to pass any legislation so far this term. The filibuster is not an uncommon tactic used in legislative sessions, particularly for controversial bills such as this; it has been used previously in the Nebraska state Senate to delay or prevent votes in the past.
The Let Them Grow Act is by no means the only piece of legislation seeking to curb the rights of transgender and nonbinary people in the US. At least nine other States have already passed similar bills this year, with Arkansas and Tennessee recently launching bills that would discriminate against transgender children who want to play school sports.
LGBTQ+ rights advocacy groups have warned that the bills would lead to increased mental health issues, particularly among young transgender people, who may feel that they are being targeted by state legislatures. Research shows that people who are unable to access gender-affirming healthcare, particularly hormone therapy, or gender-affirming surgery face heightened rates of anxiety, depression and suicide.
Cavanaugh has been supported in her efforts to block the Let Them Grow Act. Dozens of people have been staging a sit-in outside the state capitol every day to show their support for the Democrat Senator, with some bringing food and blankets to the protesters.
Youth activists from groups such as the Sunrise Movement and Fridays for Future have also supported the protest, citing concerns over climate change and the safety of transgender and nonbinary people. The hashtag #StopLB574 has gained a lot of traction on social media platforms, with Nebraskans hoping to see the Let Them Grow Act stopped in its tracks.
In conclusion, the filibuster by Cavanaugh has served to halt the passing of the Let Them Grow Act, which seeks to reduce the rights of transgender and nonbinary children in Nebraska. The legislation has been met with vocal opposition from residents across the state and LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, who argue that it will cause harm rather than advance the rights of children who are already vulnerable to discrimination. Cavanaugh’s actions have been supported by a range of groups, including youth climate activists, who see the fight for LGBTQ+ rights as a vital part of their campaign for a better future.
