Kansas Governor Laura Kelly wasted not time in vetoing the proposed Gender Affirming Care Act for transgender minors. The bill was sent to her late last week after approval by both houses. Kelly has vetoed two similar bills in the past. This year’s measure, known as the “Help Not Harm Act”, not only would ban gender-affirming surgeries, hormone treatments and puberty blockers for minors, but also prohibit state employees caring for children from promoting social transitioning for them. Supporters argue that a ban would protect vulnerable children from what they’ve often described as a radical ideology about gender.
Kelly chastised lawmakers in her veto message for what she says was their attempt to interfere with parental rights and in medical decisions. Transgender youth and their parents have said such care often lessens depression and suicidal tendencies. At least 26 other states have restricted gender-affirming care for minors. The votes in the legislature last week indicate that backers of a Kansas ban have the legislative supermajorities needed to override Kelly’s veto.
