State Legislators Override Governor’s Veto, Enact New Ban

Closeup of "Veto" stamp on document page.

Kansas becomes the 27th state to ban gender-affirming care for minors as the legislature successfully overrides the governor’s veto, sparking a heated debate on children’s rights and medical autonomy.

Key Takeaways

Kansas enacted the Help Not Harm Act, banning gender-affirming care for minors.
The Republican-controlled legislature overrode Democratic Governor Laura Kelly’s veto.
The law prohibits puberty blockers, hormone therapies, and surgeries for minors.
Supporters argue it protects children, while critics claim it infringes on parental rights.
The ban aligns with a national trend of restricting transgender medical procedures for minors.

Kansas Legislators Override Governor’s Veto

In a decisive move, the Republican-controlled Kansas Legislature has successfully overridden Democratic Governor Laura Kelly’s veto of the Help Not Harm Act, also known as Senate Bill 63. This new law effectively bans gender-affirming care for minors in the state, making Kansas the 27th state to enact such restrictions. The veto override votes were overwhelmingly in favor of the ban, with 85-34 in the House and 31-9 in the Senate, demonstrating strong Republican support for the measure.

The Help Not Harm Act prohibits the administration of puberty blockers, hormone therapies, and surgeries for individuals under 18 who are seeking to transition from their birth-assigned gender. Additionally, the law bars state employees from providing or encouraging such treatments or social transitioning. This comprehensive ban is set to take effect this month, though legal challenges from doctors or parents are anticipated.

Supporters and Critics Weigh In

Proponents of the ban, including Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson and House Speaker Dan Hawkins, argue that it protects children from making irreversible medical decisions at a young age. They have described these procedures as “harmful, irreversible, and experimental.” This sentiment is echoed by Republican state Rep. Ron Bryce, who views the legislation as a critical juncture in addressing transgender issues.

“This is a fork in the road” – Republican state Rep. Ron Bryce

On the other side of the debate, Governor Kelly and other critics argue that the bill infringes on parental rights and could have negative economic impacts. They suggest it might drive families and businesses out of Kansas, potentially harming the state’s economy. The law has also sparked emotional responses from families with transgender children, who feel their rights and identities are being erased.

“I just held my 16-year-old daughter, and we cried while we watched them try to erase her existence” – Elise Flatland

National Implications and Potential Challenges

The Kansas ban aligns with a broader national trend of restricting transgender medical procedures for minors. This legislative action echoes efforts in other states and at the federal level, including a previous executive order by former President Donald Trump to end federal support for gender-reassignment procedures. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has criticized such measures, describing them as promoting discrimination against transgender individuals.

As the law takes effect, it includes penalties for doctors who provide these services, including potential threats to their medical licenses. In response, transgender rights groups have pledged financial and other support to families seeking care outside of Kansas. The implementation of this law is likely to face legal challenges, as seen in other states with similar bans.

The Help Not Harm Act represents a significant shift in Kansas’ approach to transgender healthcare for minors, reflecting the ongoing national debate over the rights of transgender individuals, parental autonomy, and the role of government in medical decision-making for minors. As this law takes effect, its impact on Kansas families, healthcare providers, and the broader community will be closely watched by both supporters and critics alike.