Kansas Governor Laura Kelly has vetoed a bill from the Legislature that would ban gender-affirming care for people under 18 years of age.
The proposed bill would prevent health care professionals from providing medical care like puberty blockers or hormone therapy to minors diagnosed with gender dysphoria. It would also slash support for any transition-related health care and put doctors who provide care to transgender people in danger of losing their license.
In her veto message, the governor said, “Right now, the Legislature should be focused on ways to help Kansans cope with rising prices. That is the most important issue for Kansans. That is where my focus is. Infringing on parental rights is not appropriate, nor is it a Kansas value. As I’ve said before, it is not the job of politicians to stand between a parent and a child who needs medical care of any kind. This legislation will also drive families, businesses, and health care workers out of our state, stifling our economy and exacerbating our workforce shortage issue. It is disappointing that the Legislature continues to push for government interference in Kansans’ private medical decisions instead of focusing on issues that improve all Kansans’ lives.”
The Republican majority in the Legislature is expected to override the veto. Senate President Ty Masterson of Andover said the bill is “a bipartisan bill that prevents the mutilation of minors. The Senate stands firmly on the side of protecting Kansas children and will swiftly override her veto before the ink from her pen is dry.”
