ABOVE: Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly, photo via Kelly’s Facebook page.
Democratic Governor Laura Kelly vetoed a bill April 22 that would have banned participation of trans youth athletes in high school and college in girls’ and women’s sports. Kelly labeled the legislation, Kansas Senate Bill 55, “a devastating message” to families in Kansas.
The Topeka-Capital Journal reported that Kelly raised concerns over the impact such legislation would have on the state’s economy but also argued in her veto message that Senate Bill 55 would have an impact on the mental health of transgender youth and was counter to Kansas’ status as “an inclusive state.”
“This legislation sends a devastating message that Kansas is not welcoming to all children and their families, including those who are transgender — who are already at a higher risk of bullying, discrimination, and suicide,” Kelly wrote.
In a statement released by the ACLU of Kansas, which supported Kelly’s veto of SB55, Nadine Johnson, ACLU Kansas Executive Director wrote:
“As we have said from the moment legislators introduced this mean-spirited and anti-business bill, it would have cost the state dearly in litigation, repelled potentially lucrative business dealings, and most important, bullied and harmed innocent Kansas children.
In the most multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, multi-racial Kansas ever, our state should be focused on ways to boost participation in sports and other extracurricular activities for all youth, rather than squandering much of the legislative session targeting trans youngsters around the state.”
Rep. Stephanie Byers, D-Wichita, the first transgender legislator elected in Kansas history, told The Topeka-Capital Journal that Kelly’s decision shows trans youths have a high-profile advocate in their corner. She hoped Republican colleagues — some of whom privately told her they opposed the bill, despite later voting “yes” — would follow suit.
“Not everyone in Kansas is a blockade to being your authentic self,” Byers said. “Many of us are opening the door and doing what we can to make sure you are affirmed in every way.”
