In a decisive move, the Kansas Legislature has overruled Governor Laura Kelly’s veto of the Help Not Harm Act, advancing a law that prohibits health care providers from performing gender transition procedures on minors. The override, passed along strict party lines in both the House and the Senate, saw Republican majorities approving the bill as a measure to restrict “transgender” interventions for children whose gender identity does not align with their biological sex.
The legislation, known as Senate Bill 63, also bars the use of state funds to support gender transitioning procedures on minors while mandating professional disciplinary actions against providers who perform these treatments. This law comes in response to a recent federal executive order, backed by President Trump, aimed at stopping what is characterized by its proponents as “barbaric” procedures nationwide, and reflects a broader political effort to protect children from medical interventions that some consider harmful.
Governor Kelly opposed the bill, arguing that it would interfere with parental rights and deter families, businesses, and health care professionals from remaining in Kansas, potentially worsening economic and workforce challenges. Critics of the bill, including some conservative voices, counter that parental choice does not extend to permitting irreversible and risky medical procedures on children, asserting that such interventions can lead to long-term physical and psychological harm.
Republican leaders in Kansas, however, have dismissed the governor’s concerns, emphasizing that the state is aligning itself with several other regions that have implemented similar protections for minors against medicalized gender transitions. The debate underscores deep ideological divides over the role of government in family and health care decisions, setting the stage for ongoing disputes about how best to balance parental rights, child welfare, and individual freedoms.
12 Comments
Pupsik
This is just another example of the Republican Party's war on LGBTQ+ rights. They are obsessed with controlling our lives and taking away our rights.
Marishka
I'm happy to see that Kansas is taking a stand against the transgender lobby. These procedures are a form of child mutilation and must be stopped.
Pupsik
This is not the way to go about protecting children! We need to be providing them with support and resources, not denying them access to life-saving medical care.
Marishka
This bill doesn't protect children, it harms them! It ignores the medical consensus and the lived experiences of transgender people.
Pupsik
This is a dark day for Kansas and for LGBTQ+ rights everywhere. We will not be silenced! We will continue to fight for our rights and for a more just and equitable society.
Mariposa
Governor Kelly was right to veto this bill. It's discriminatory, plain and simple.
The Truth
This is a step in the right direction to prevent child abuse. These procedures are barbaric and have no place in a civilized society.
Answer
This bill is not about protecting children, it's about scoring political points at the expense of vulnerable young people. It's shameful and disgusting.
Coccinella
Banning gender-affirming care is cruel and inhumane. It will only lead to more suffering and suicide among transgender youth. Shame on the Kansas legislature!
Bella Ciao
This bill sends a message to transgender youth that they are not valued or respected. This is harmful and discriminatory.
ArtemK
This bill is a slap in the face to transgender youth and their families. It's time to stand up and say enough is enough!
Coccinella
This is not about hate, it's about protecting innocent children. We need to stand up for our values and protect the next generation.