Kansas Governor Vetoes Gender-Affirming Care Ban for Minors

The veto sets up a potential legislative showdown as the GOP-majority promises an override attempt.

Democratic Governor Laura Kelly of Kansas vetoed a bill that would ban gender-affirming care for minors, citing it as a violation of parental rights.
The vetoed bill includes prohibitions on hormone therapy, puberty blockers, and gender reassignment surgery for those under 18.
GOP leaders in Kansas, holding a legislative supermajority, are expected to attempt an override of the governor's veto after April 29.
The bill's supporters argue it protects children, while opponents, including major medical organizations, deem it harmful to transgender minors.
Recent years have seen a surge in similar legislative efforts across the U.S., with nearly 500 anti-LGBTQ+ bills introduced in 2024 alone.