Kansas Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly vetoed four bills Thursday aimed at restricting sex-change procedures for minors and other legislation that sought to regulate access to restrooms and other public facilities by those who identify as transgender.
Stating that the bills were “stripping away rights,” Kelly argued her decision to veto the four pieces of legislation was based on her promise to block any measure she felt was discriminatory towards the LGBTQ+ community, The Associated Press (AP) reported. Kelly further argued that the legislation, if signed into law, would hurt the state’s ability to attract business.
“Companies have made it clear that they are not interested in doing business with states that discriminate against workers and their families. I’m focused on the economy. Anyone care to join me?” Kelly contended in her statement regarding the vetoes, according to The AP.
“Companies have made it clear that they are not interested in doing business with states that discriminate against workers and their families,” Kelly said in a message to lawmakers. https://t.co/U6dwvvoX0p
— The Kansas City Star (@KCStar) April 20, 2023
The bills Kelly vetoed sought to place restrictions on transgender people within the state, requiring them to use restrooms, locker rooms and other public facilities that matched the gender assigned to them at birth. Another measure sought to place limits on where transgender people are housed in state prisons and county jails, while yet another placed restrictions on transgender youth sleeping arrangements for overnight school trips, The AP reported. Another bill banned sex-change operations and medical procedures for children.
“By any reasonable standard, governing from the middle of the road should include ensuring vulnerable children do not become victims of woke culture run amok,” Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson, a Republican, stated following Kelly’s veto of the ban on sex-changes for children, according to The AP. (RELATED: White House Says Lawmakers Shouldn’t Decide ‘Appropriate’ Age For Sex Changes)
Though Kelly has vetoed the four measures, Republican lawmakers likely have the votes necessary within the legislature to override her actions, The AP reported.