Nebraska Democratic congressional nominee Denise Powell publicly opposed a 2023 state law restricting gender-affirming care for minors, referring to it as "discriminatory and hateful" in unearthed social media posts. The emergence of these posts has drawn criticism from opponents.

Before becoming the Democratic nominee, Powell made multiple posts on Facebook and TikTok opposing LB 574, known as 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 a March 2023 Facebook post, Powell, identified as an administrator for The Bellwether Initiative Nebraska, urged Nebraskans to contact their state senators and attend a Capitol protest. She wore a shirt that read "PROTECT TRANS KIDS" during floor debate on the bill.

"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," she wrote in the post. "Laws like this one are passing all over the country — Iowa, Kentucky, Tennessee, to name a few. Nebraska has the opportunity to set an example; to show trans kids and families around the country that we won't stand for this discriminatory and hateful behavior."

Powell also expressed support for lawmakers who were opposing the bill, encouraging supporters to "call or tweet at your senators TODAY." She added, "Trans people belong in Nebraska and everywhere and we will never ever stop fighting for their right to exist and thrive."

On TikTok, under the username "dbpinomaha," Powell also voiced her opposition. In a video posted Feb. 8, 2023, she stated, "Aaaaand we're back, this time to oppose LB 574, a bill that would make it illegal for kids to access gender-affirming care." The video included images of the Nebraska State Capitol and protesters holding signs that read, "Trans Nebraskans Belong."

In the caption for that video, Powell wrote, "LB 574 hurt kids. Call your senator and tell them TRANS NEBRASKANS BELONG."

Another TikTok post from March 31, 2023, shared footage of student walkouts at Omaha and Lincoln high schools in support of transgender youth, with Powell writing, "we are here for it!"

The Nebraska Legislature passed LB 574 with a 33-15 vote, and it was subsequently signed into law by Gov. Jim Pillen. According to a poll by Nebraska First PAC that same year, 61% of likely Nebraska voters supported prohibiting "gender altering procedures like surgeries, puberty blockers, or hormone therapies" for individuals under 19. The poll also indicated that 78% of respondents agreed that children should wait until adulthood for "irreversible, sex-change surgeries."

In April 2023, a bill proposed by Republican state Sen. Kathleen Kauth to expand LB 574 by banning puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones for those under 19 did not advance, according to the Nebraska Examiner.

Critics have characterized Powell's past advocacy as radical. Jon Schweppe, a former Trump official and senior advisor at American Principles Project, stated, "Not only has she been an advocate for transgender sex changes for kids, but she served on the board of an organization which opposes parental rights in education and promotes an 'LGBTQ liberation' curriculum for fifth graders. These are the issues she clearly cares about the most."

Zach Bannon, a spokesperson for the National Republican Congressional Committee, commented, "Denise Powell continues to prove that she rejects common sense and is completely out of touch with Nebraska values."

Powell is challenging Republican Omaha City Councilman Brinker Harding for Nebraska's 2nd Congressional District seat. According to her campaign website, Powell's stated priorities include lowering costs, protecting healthcare access and abortion rights, supporting workers, and opposing former President Donald Trump's actions.

Powell's campaign did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Fox News Digital.