Nebraska Democrat Lawmaker Explodes During Session: ‘We Need Trans People!’

 Nebraska state Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh (D) exploded during a session late this week after the state banned controversial transgender medical procedures for minors, shouting, “We need trans people!”

The bill — which bans transgender procedures and limits the use of hormone therapy and puberty blockers for anyone under the age of 19 — was passed in the legislature 33-15 and was sent to Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen’s (R) desk to become law.

Cavanaugh shouted a chant repeatedly, which apparently annoyed some lawmakers enough that they can be seen walking out of the room.

“We nee trans people! We love trans people! Trans people belong here!” Cavanaugh shouted. “We need trans people! We love trans people! Trans people belong here! We need trans people! We love trans people! Trans people belong here! We need trans people! We love trans people! Trans people belong here! We need trans people! We love trans people! Trans people belong here!”

“You matter. You matter and I am fighting for you. I will not stop,” she ranted. “I will not stop today, I will not stop tomorrow. You are loved. You matter. You belong here.”

Cavanaugh attacked the Republican lawmakers for voting for the bill, which also included protections for unborn babies as it banned abortion after 12 weeks. The bill does include exceptions for abortions, including cases of rape, incest, or to save the life of the mother.

“Your children are posting things on social media, your children are calling you, colleagues,” Cavanaugh said. “You have to live with your vote. … You have to live with the role that you play in history in the making today. You have to live with the fact that you vote to take away people’s rights. You have to live with that. The rest of us have to live with the implications of that, but you have to live with that.”

 

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