Oklahoma Senate Bill SB676

Oklahoma 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/1/21
• Refer: 2/2/21

Caption

Crime and punishment; providing definition; providing certain penalty. Effective date.

Impact

If passed, this legislation would significantly alter the landscape of healthcare related to gender identity for minors in Oklahoma. The bill enforces strict penalties, labeling any violations as a felony offense. Healthcare providers found guilty of breaching these provisions could face substantial prison sentences ranging from three years to life, alongside hefty fines. This would discourage medical professionals from offering care related to gender reassignment for patients under twenty-one years of age, potentially leading to significant health implications for individuals experiencing gender dysphoria.

Summary

Senate Bill 676 aims to make it unlawful for individuals under the age of twenty-one to undergo gender reassignment medical treatment in the state of Oklahoma. The bill specifically targets both the individuals seeking treatment and healthcare professionals who provide such services, establishing a prohibition against gender reassignment treatments for minors. Moreover, it expands the definition of gender reassignment medical treatment to include any healthcare services intended to facilitate the transition of a patient's assigned gender identity to their experienced identity.

Contention

The bill has sparked considerable debate due to its implications on personal autonomy and healthcare rights. Supporters of the bill argue that it is essential to protect minors from making potentially irreversible medical decisions. On the other hand, opponents contend that it infringes on an individual's right to access medical care and may exacerbate mental health issues among youth experiencing gender dysphoria. The contrasting viewpoints highlight the bill's contentious nature, reflecting broader societal disagreements concerning gender identity and the rights of minors.