Denise Powell Opposes Nebraska’s Gender Transition Law

Nebraska Democratic congressional nominee Denise Powell publicly opposed Nebraska’s 2023 law limiting gender transition procedures for minors. She described the legislation as “discriminatory and hateful” and encouraged supporters to reach out to lawmakers. These views emerged in social media posts that have recently drawn criticism.

Before securing her party’s nomination, Powell criticized LB 574, known as Nebraska’s “Let Them Grow Act.” The act restricts gender transition procedures for minors and manages the use of puberty blockers and hormone treatments for those under 19. In March 2023, through a Facebook post, Powell, who was an administrator of The Bellwether Initiative Nebraska page, urged Nebraskans to contact state senators. She invited them to join her at the Capitol during the final day of the first round of floor debate on the bill, wearing shirts that read “PROTECT TRANS KIDS.”

“Today is the final day of the first round of floor debate on LB 574, a bill that would prohibit and punish healthcare providers from providing gender-affirming care to children under the age of 19,” Powell wrote.

Powell further noted that laws similar to LB 574 were being enacted across the country, naming Iowa, Kentucky, and Tennessee as examples. She expressed that Nebraska had the opportunity to set an example for others, showing support for trans kids and families.

On TikTok, under the username “dbpinomaha,” Powell opposed the legislation. In a video posted in February 2023, she described LB 574 as a harmful bill for kids seeking gender-affirming care. The video featured images of the Nebraska State Capitol and protesters with signs reading “Trans Nebraskans Belong.” Powell appeared holding a protest sign in one of the photos.

The Nebraska Legislature approved LB 574 by a 33-15 vote, later signed into law by Gov. Jim Pillen. Despite this, a Nebraska First PAC poll indicated that 61% of likely voters supported prohibiting gender-altering procedures under 19. Additionally, 78% felt children should wait until adulthood for “irreversible, sex-change surgeries.”

An April bill from Republican Sen. Kathleen Kauth aimed to expand LB 574 by banning puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones for minors, but it did not progress.

Jon Schweppe, a former Trump official and advisor at American Principles Project, commented on Powell’s advocacy for transgender youth. He noted her board membership in an organization opposing parental rights and promoting an ‘LGBTQ liberation’ curriculum.

Zach Bannon, a spokesperson for the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC), called Powell a “rubber stamp for the radical far-left,” criticizing her support for sex change surgeries for minors.

Powell is running against Republican Omaha City Councilman Brinker Harding for Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District seat. Her campaign focuses on reducing costs, maintaining healthcare access, supporting workers, and opposing Donald Trump’s “abuse of power.” Fox News made multiple attempts to contact Powell for comments.