Kansas Republicans are making another attempt to ban gender-affirming care for minors.
This entails discontinuing the use of puberty blockers and hormone treatments for children experiencing gender dysphoria, as well as prohibiting gender-affirming surgery for individuals under the age of 18, a practice that is extremely uncommon.
The ban on this issue has been attempted by the GOP multiple times, but they have been unsuccessful in passing it. Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly has consistently vetoed the proposals, and conservatives have not been able to gather enough support to override the veto. However, with the political landscape of the Legislature changing after the 2024 election, conservatives are gearing up to make another attempt.
“We missed that by just one or two votes in the House, didn’t we?” Senate President Ty Masterson, a Republican from Andover, remarked to reporters. He continued, “The Senate successfully overrode it back then, and I believe this caucus holds an even stronger opinion on the matter. So, it’s safe to say that the issue will definitely resurface.”
What has the Kansas Legislature already done?Â
A bill that aimed to prohibit gender-affirming care for minors faced defeat in both 2023 and 2024. This bill had the potential to revoke doctors’ licenses for administering such care, while also granting families the ability to pursue legal action for both actual damages and punitive damages on behalf of their children.
Four Republicans broke ranks with their party and joined Democrats in voting against the 2024 proposal, resulting in its failure. However, the political landscape has since shifted even further to the right in the Legislature.
According to House Speaker Dan Hawkins, a Wichita Republican, the 2025 proposal will bear resemblance to last year’s plan. He acknowledged that last year’s bill caused concerns among lawmakers, who feared that it would prohibit mental health care and counseling for transgender minors. However, it is important to note that such a ban is not the objective of the proposal.
Hawkins expressed his desire to put an end to the use of puberty blockers and surgeries. He emphasized the need for swift action on this bill.
“We won’t wait until the end of the session,” he declared confidently. “We plan to tackle a significant portion of this work early on.”
The Republican Party holds a significant majority and has more room for mistakes. Out of the four Republicans who previously supported the Democrats in 2024, two of them decided not to run for reelection. Additionally, one of the recently elected lawmakers openly expressed their opposition to gender-affirming care.
Former Democratic Representative Marvin Robinson, hailing from Kansas City, Kansas, made the decision to switch party lines and lend his support to the ban. Unfortunately, this move ultimately cost him his position as he lost in the primary election.
Who supports the proposal?Â
The majority of support for the proposal comes from Republicans, with the division largely aligning with party lines.
According to Sen. Beverly Gossage, a Republican from Eudora, the bill aims to safeguard children by preventing them from making irreversible decisions that they may come to regret. Studies have indicated that around 1% of transgender individuals experience regret after undergoing gender-affirming procedures.
Republicans argue that Kansans should wait until they are 18 to receive gender-affirming care, despite doctors advising against delaying such care.
During the 2024 debate, Gossage emphasized the importance of providing children with the necessary mental therapy. He expressed the commitment of the Legislature to pass bills aimed at protecting the well-being of Kansans, firmly believing that they are on the right side of history.
Who opposes the proposal?Â
According to Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes, a Lenexa Democrat, the most effective means of assisting transgender Kansans is by providing them with supportive environments and appropriate medical treatment.
During the 2024 debate, Sykes passionately expressed her concern for the hundreds of Kansans and individuals who have relied on gender-affirming care as a lifeline. She emphasized the importance of not stripping them of this vital support.
Democrats argue that postponing medical care for transgender teenagers can potentially increase the risk of suicide. Governor Kelly, known for her consistent rejection of bills that discriminate against transgender individuals, is likely to veto any legislation seeking to prohibit this crucial care.
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