Governor Walz signed three different bills into law Thursday morning that are meant to protect abortion and gender-affirming care as well as ban the practice of conversion therapy in the state.

RELATED: Senate approves conversion therapy ban, reproductive freedom, trans refuge bills

All three bills have drawn strong support from DFL lawmakers and advocates while generating fierce opposition from others.

Supporters of a statewide ban say conversion therapy involves many harmful practices that often cause anxiety and depression and can lead to suicide, while opponents of a ban dispute those points. Several cities in Minnesota have already banned the practice but the bill would create a statewide ban.

The reproductive health care bill Friday would prevent any legal or professional action against healthcare workers who help anyone get an abortion or other reproductive health care. Republican critics have called the proposal an overreach of the state’s authority, while supporters say it’s more necessary than ever as more states heavily restrict abortions.

The third bill seeks to protect transgender people, their families and healthcare providers from legal repercussions if they travel to Minnesota to get gender-affirming care. Opponents have said it would put children at risk.

Follow other legislative developments through the KSTP Legislative Tracker.

View the signing ceremony below:

RELATED COVERAGE:

Walz signs order restricting conversion therapy

Conversion therapy, catalytic converter prevention, MMBW bills pass Minnesota House

House passes abortion protections bill

House passes bill that makes Minnesota a ‘trans refuge state’