Kansas governor vetoes ban for transgender school athletes

(AP) Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly has vetoed a measure that would have banned transgender athletes from girls’ and women’s school sports. The Democratic governor’s action Thursday thwarted an effort by conservative Republican lawmakers to make Kansas the latest state with a GOP-controlled legislature to enact such a ban, with more than 20 considering it. Kelly’s veto was widely expected because she had labeled the bill “regressive” and suggested it would hurt the state’s ability to recruit businesses. Conservative Republican lawmakers did not have the two-thirds majorities necessary in both chambers to override a veto when they pushed it to passage earlier this month.

Read the governor’s full statement on the bill below:

“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.

“As Kansans, we should be focused on how to include all students in extracurricular activities rather than how to exclude those who may be different than us. Kansas is an inclusive state and our laws should reflect our values. This law does not do that.

“This bill would also undoubtedly harm our ability to attract and retain businesses. It would send a signal to prospective companies that Kansas is more focused on unnecessary and divisive legislation than strategic, pro-growth lawmaking.

Therefore, under Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution, I hereby veto Senate Bill 55.”