Governor Kelly’s Veto Protects Privacy and Access to Care:
Governor Kelly Vetoed Senate Bill 63 which would prohibit gender-affirming care recommended or performed in response to gender dysphoria, the psychological distress that arises when a person’s biological sex and gender identity differ. Kelly said it is not a politician’s role “to stand between a parent and a child who needs medical care of any kind.” Kelly said the legislation, if her veto is overridden, would drive Kansas families, business and health professionals out of the state. She added that the Legislature’s support of the act was “disappointing.”
Governor Kelly vetoed a similar bill last year, and Republicans failed to coordinate the necessary two-thirds majority to override the veto. House Speaker Dan Hawkins, a Wichita Republican, said in a statement Tuesday that House Republicans were ready to override this year’s veto.
WHAT YOU CAN DO RIGHT NOW...
Contact your representatives and urge them to sustain Governor Kelly’s veto of SB 63.
Contact your Representatives
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Key points:
- Patients, families, and their doctors should have the freedom to make their own private medical decisions—not politicians. Gender-affirming care is individualized to meet the needs of each patient, managed through a careful and evidence-based model of assessment and informed consent—which is already required by law.
- Gender-affirming care is life-saving care. Medical care for gender dysphoria is evidence-based, medically necessary, and safe—which is why every major medical association advocates against bills like this.
- Stop trying to punish kids, families, and those who provide compassion and care for kids living with gender dysphoria. Trans kids already live in fear and have a 72% higher rate of suicide attempts as a result of laws like this one. Click here for more.
