Nebraska Democratic congressional nominee Denise Powell has publicly opposed a 2023 Nebraska law that restricts gender transition procedures for minors. She has called the law discriminatory and urged supporters to contact lawmakers. Powell’s opposition to the law is evident through her social media posts that have recently drawn criticism.
Before becoming her party’s nominee, Powell actively opposed LB 574, Nebraska’s “Let Them Grow Act.” This law prohibits gender transition procedures for minors and regulates the use of puberty blockers and hormone treatments for those under 19. In March 2023, Powell, as an administrator on The Bellwether Initiative Nebraska page, encouraged Nebraskans to contact state senators. She also invited supporters to join her at the Capitol for the final day of the first round of floor debate on the bill while wearing a shirt reading “PROTECT TRANS KIDS.”
“Today is the final day of the first round of floor debate on LB 574, a bill that would prohibit healthcare providers from providing gender-affirming care to children under the age of 19,” Powell stated on Facebook.
Powell highlighted that similar laws were passing in various states such as Iowa, Kentucky, and Tennessee. She emphasized that Nebraska had a chance to set an example by rejecting what she described as discriminatory behavior. Powell praised lawmakers who were opposing such legislation and urged supporters to communicate with their senators.
“Trans people belong in Nebraska and everywhere. We will never stop fighting for their right to exist and thrive,” she asserted.
Powell also used TikTok under the username “dbpinomaha” to voice her opposition. In a video from February 2023, she expressed disapproval of LB 574, describing it a law that would make gender-affirming care inaccessible for kids. The video included footage of the Nebraska State Capitol and protesters holding signs that supported transgender rights.
Powell documented student walkouts at high schools in Omaha and Lincoln in a TikTok post from March 2023. She wrote that students had walked out in support of transgender youth and expressed approval of their actions.
Despite opposition, LB 574 passed in the Nebraska Legislature with a 33-15 vote, later signed into law by Governor Jim Pillen. A Nebraska First PAC poll revealed that 61% of likely Nebraska voters supported prohibiting gender-altering procedures for those under 19, while 78% agreed that such procedures should be delayed until adulthood.
A bill to further restrict access to puberty blockers and hormones also failed to advance in April 2023, according to the Nebraska Examiner.
Jon Schweppe, a former Trump official, criticized Powell as being too radical for Nebraska’s swing district, citing her advocacy for transgender youth. Zach Bannon from the National Republican Congressional Committee labeled her a “rubber stamp for the radical far-left,” accusing her of supporting policies like sex change surgeries for kids.
Powell challenges Republican Omaha City Councilman Brinker Harding for Nebraska’s open 2nd Congressional District seat. Her campaign prioritizes lowering costs, protecting healthcare access, supporting workers’ rights, and opposing President Donald Trump’s policies.
Fox News Digital reached out to Powell’s campaign for comments.
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