OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – Governor Kevin Stitt signed legislation on Monday banning irreversible gender transitions surgeries and hormone therapies for minors in Oklahoma.

The Senate passed Senate Bill 613 in February, moving it one step closer to the Governor’s desk.

SB 613 prohibits any medication or surgery for the purpose of gender transition. Sanctions for violating the bill include felony charges, license revocation and civil actions which can be filed by a parent or legal guardian.

On Monday, Gov. Stitt signed SB 613 after calling for a statewide ban in October 2022.

“Last year, I called for a statewide ban on all irreversible gender transition surgeries and hormone therapies on minors so I am thrilled to sign this into law today and protect our kids,” said Governor Stitt. “We cannot turn a blind eye to what’s happening across our nation, and as governor I am proud to stand up for what’s right and ban life-altering transition surgeries on children in the state of Oklahoma.”

Sen. Julie Daniels, R-Bartlesville, and Rep. Toni Hasenbeck, R-Elgin, released statements on Tuesday regarding the signing of the bill.

“I commend Governor Stitt for signing SB 613.  This law protects children and families from making life changing, irreversible decisions until the child reaches some level of maturity to better understand the risks and irreversible effects of gender transition procedures.  These children are in very real distress. They deserve to have attention focused on their behavioral and mental health care, not rushing them into making adult decisions as a child.” – Sen. Julie Daniels

“It’s common-sense that teenagers sometimes make decisions without realizing or understanding the long-term consequences of their actions, and SB 613 will help prevent any irreversible effects. I’m glad to see this legislation signed into law and will always stand to protect Oklahoma’s children.” – Rep. Toni Hasenbeck 

Freedom Oklahoma, a local nonprofit, also addressed the signed bill on Tuesday.

“SB 613 was signed into law last night. It’s intentionally cruel. The Senate used the lives and health of trans kids as a pawn in a political power game. And, as expected, the folks who lost are Two Spirit, trans, and gender nonconforming (2STGNC+) youth; medical providers; and families of 2STGNC+ kids. This sucks. It’s unquestionably awful. Monday night, after hours, when he hoped he could break the news instead of media, Governor Kevin Stitt signed SB 613, making a ban on transition-related physical healthcare for trans Oklahomans under 18 effective with an emergency. There is a six month tapering off period for people currently receiving care, and the promise of litigation we asked from litigation orgs to have ready for this very possibility. And we know that’s still too much harm and uncertainty to have to bear.” said Freedom Oklahoma.