HONOLULU (Island News) -- The Hawaii State Legislature passed a healthcare bill which expands protections for and ensures access to gender-affirming care for youth and adults.

Senate Bill 1150 was approved on Wednesday morning due in part to the Hawaii Senate Health and Human Services Committee, chaired by Senator Joy San Buenaventura, and the Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee, chaired by Senator Jarrett Keohokalole.

This bill comes with amendments from those Senate committees. The bill affirms that patients, doctors and parents have control over medical care without any interference from other states.

Testimonies were made over this bill this week including arguments in support of and opposing what rights would be established. Testifiers who backed the bill said that families would benefit from it, whereas critics feared the lengths people on the mainland would take to come to Hawaii to access gender-affirming healthcare for a child.

The Stonewall Caucus of the Democratic Party of Hawaii is grateful about the critical legislation as it comes as a victory for transgender people and their families. This bill will advance protection for local healthcare providers and guarantees that certain groups are not prevented from receiving healthcare.

“The Stonewall Caucus remains committed to advocating for the passage of Senate Bill 1150 into law.” said Abby Simmons, Chair of the Stonewall Caucus, “We look forward to continuing to work alongside lawmakers, healthcare professionals, transgender individuals and their ohana, as well as community advocates to ensure that Hawaii remains a safe haven for those seeking essential, compassionate medical care.”