GOP Pushes Bill into Law, Sparking Backlash from Democrats and Advocates
TOPEKA — In a swift and forceful move, Kansas Republicans overrode Gov. Laura Kelly’s veto of a bill banning gender-affirming care for minors, cementing one of the most restrictive measures on transgender health care in the country. With votes of 31-9 in the Senate and 85-34 in the House, GOP lawmakers pushed the legislation into law, sparking outrage from Democrats and LGBTQ+ advocates.
The unexpected timing of the vote left Democratic legislators scrambling to respond. Critics blasted the measure as a government overreach into personal medical decisions, while supporters framed it as necessary to protect children from irreversible procedures.
What the Law Does
The newly enacted legislation, Senate Bill 63, imposes a broad set of restrictions on transgender youth and the medical professionals who treat them:
- Bans doctors from providing gender-affirming surgeries, puberty blockers, or hormone treatments to minors.
- Revokes medical licenses of health care providers who violate the law.
- Blocks state funds from being used for psychological treatment of transgender children.
- Prevents state employees from promoting “social transitioning,” which includes the use of names and pronouns that align with a child’s gender identity.
- Outlaws liability insurance for damages related to gender-affirming care.
The bill was modeled after legislation drafted by Do No Harm, a national anti-LGBTQ+ group that has backed similar measures in multiple states. GOP lawmakers branded it the “Help Not Harm Act.”
Kelly Slams Lawmakers for Political Distraction
Gov. Kelly sharply criticized the override, arguing that lawmakers should be focused on economic issues rather than inserting themselves into private medical decisions.
“It is unfortunate that the first bill the Legislature sent me this session is focused on putting politicians between Kansans and their private medical decisions instead of prioritizing solutions to issues like rising prices and the cost of groceries,” Kelly said in a statement. “This divisive bill will undoubtedly have ripple effects that harm Kansas families, our businesses, and our economy and intensify our workforce shortage issue.”
Her remarks underscored the growing tension between her administration and the Republican-controlled Legislature. Kelly had previously vetoed similar bills, but the GOP’s supermajority allowed them to push the latest version into law.
Democrats Cry Foul Over Surprise Vote
Democrats in the House expressed frustration over the abrupt scheduling of the override vote, accusing Republicans of pushing the bill through without adequate debate.
Rep. Susan Ruiz, a Shawnee Democrat, called the move “cowardly” and was immediately reprimanded by Rep. Blake Carpenter, a Derby Republican, for violating decorum rules.
Still, Ruiz didn’t back down. “This is egregious and cruel,” she said. “We should all be enraged about this. This is wrong on so, so many levels. I know certain people don’t care. They don’t care about these kids. All they care about is control — that somehow the Legislature has the right to interfere in people’s bodies.”
Two Republicans initially sided with Democrats in opposing the override: Rep. Mark Schreiber, of Emporia, and Rep. Bob Lewis, of Garden City. However, Lewis later changed his vote, helping Republicans secure the supermajority needed to override the governor.
National Implications and Legal Battles Ahead
Kansas now joins a growing list of states that have enacted bans on gender-affirming care for minors, part of a broader conservative push targeting transgender rights across the country. The law is expected to face legal challenges, with civil rights groups already preparing lawsuits.
Opponents argue that similar bans in other states have been struck down in court for violating constitutional rights and medical freedom. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and LGBTQ+ advocacy groups have signaled their intent to challenge the Kansas law on those grounds.
For now, the ban is set to take effect, leaving transgender youth and their families scrambling for alternatives. Many may seek care in neighboring states, while medical providers face tough choices about continuing treatment under the looming threat of losing their licenses.
With Republican lawmakers standing firm and legal battles brewing, Kansas finds itself at the heart of a contentious national debate that shows no signs of slowing down.
Comments