Attorney General Todd Rokita is ready to defend the new law banning irreversible procedures on minors

INDIANA – Attorney General Rokita issued the following statement today as Governor Holcomb signs SB 480:

“Signing the bill that protects our children from irreversible and damaging decisions was the right move by the governor. Banning these experimental procedures is critical for the health and well-being of future generations. My office is thankful for the General Assembly’s hard work to ensure this got across the finish line. We are ready to defend it in court.”

SB 480: Gender transition procedures for minors. Prohibits a physician or other practitioner from (1) knowingly providing gender transition procedures to an individual who is less than 18 years of age (minor); and (2) aiding or abetting another physician or practitioner in the provision of gender transition procedures to a minor. Specifies certain medical exceptions. Establishes civil enforcement actions.

Authored by 

• Sen. Tyler Johnson, Sen. Ed Charbonneau, Sen. Gary Byrne.

Co-Authored by 

• Sen. Stacey Donato, Sen. Blake Doriot, Sen. Mike Gaskill, Sen. James Buck, Sen. Aaron Freeman, Sen. Jeff Raatz, Sen. Andy Zay, Sen. Greg Walker, Sen. Mark Messmer, Sen. Jack Sandlin, Sen. Linda Rogers, Sen. James Tomes, Sen. Rick Niemeyer, Sen. Brian Buchanan, Sen. Scott Alexander, Sen. John Crane, Sen. Michael Young.

Sponsored by 

• Rep. Joanna King, Rep. Michelle Davis, Rep. Jake Teshka, Rep. Timothy Wesco.

Click here to read the full text: https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2023/bills/senate/480#document-c139e764.

Planned Parenthood released the following statement against the new law.

“This is a dark day in Hoosier history,” said LaKimba DeSadier, Indiana State Director for Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates. “How dare Gov. Holcomb and the elected leaders of this state turn their backs on trans kids. Allowing SB 480 to become law is a devastating blow to the people of Indiana and their access to life-saving care. Gender-affirming care for youth is safe, common, and life-saving. SB 480 is an atrocious, stigmatizing, and medically unjustified political move not representative of Hoosier values. To our trans community: SB 480 will not erase you. We see you, we love you and we will never stop fighting for you.”