The state House of Kansas failed to override a veto by Governor Laura Kelly on a bill banning gender-affirming care for minors, which was celebrated by transgender rights advocates. The bill would have prohibited gender-affirming care for trans and nonbinary youth, including hormone therapies, puberty blockers, and surgeries. However, minors already receiving treatment would have been allowed to continue until the end of 2024 under certain conditions. The bill also would have allowed civil lawsuits against doctors providing such care and barred the use of state funds to promote treatments.
Governor Kelly applauded the state House’s decision to sustain her veto, stating that divisive bills like the one in question have no place in Kansas. The Republican-controlled Senate successfully voted to override the veto, but the state House fell just two votes shy of the two-thirds majority required to enact the ban. Proponents of the bill aimed to prevent doctors from offering gender-affirming treatment to minors and to bar state employees from recognizing a minor’s preferred pronouns.
The failure to override the veto is seen as a victory for transgender kids and their families, as well as for advocacy groups in Kansas. The ACLU of Kansas executive director expressed relief at the outcome and praised the community’s strength and solidarity. This veto is a significant win for transgender rights in the state, especially in light of last year’s successful override of a veto on an anti-trans sports ban, which prevents trans women and girls from competing on sports teams consistent with their gender identity.
Last year’s failed attempt to override a veto on a similar bill indicates a shift in attitudes towards transgender rights within the Kansas Legislature. While the Republican-controlled Legislature successfully enacted an anti-trans sports ban, the failure to override this veto demonstrates a growing movement in support of transgender rights and protections in the state. The divisive nature of such bills continues to be a source of contention within the state government, highlighting the need for ongoing advocacy and support for transgender individuals in Kansas.
The debate over gender-affirming care for minors highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the transgender community in accessing necessary medical treatments. Advocates argue that such care is crucial for the health and well-being of transgender youth, while opponents raise concerns about the impact of these treatments on minors. The outcome of this veto override vote underscores the importance of ongoing advocacy efforts to protect the rights and well-being of transgender individuals in Kansas and beyond. The state’s decision to uphold the veto represents a significant step towards ensuring that transgender youth have access to the care they need to thrive and live authentically.
