Kansas Governor vetoes ‘Fairness in Women’s Sports Act’
Kansas Democratic Governor Laura Kelly has vetoed a bill that would have banned transgender athletes from competing in girls and women’s sports.
The following veto message is from Governor Laura Kelly regarding her veto of Senate Bill 160:
“Both Republican and Democratic Governors have joined me in vetoing similar divisive bills for the same reasons: it’s harmful to students and their families and it’s bad for business.
“We all want a fair and safe place for our kids to play and compete. However, this bill didn’t come from the experts at our schools, our athletes, or the Kansas State High School Activities Association. It came from politicians trying to score political points.
“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 160.”
Kelly also vetoed a GOP proposal aimed at making it easier for parents to try to remove materials from public school classrooms and libraries.
Neither measure vetoed Friday cleared the Republican-controlled Legislature with the two-thirds majorities in both the House and Senate necessary to override a veto.
Kansas lawmakers are on their annual spring break but are scheduled to reconvene April 25.
The Kansas Republican Party released the following statement in response:
“Today, Governor Laura Kelly put her liberal politics ahead of Kansas parents, students, and taxpayers,” said Shannon Pahls, KSGOP Executive Director. “Laura Kelly’s veto of the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act is a slap in the face to the female athletes who fought for their right to compete simply because the Governor refuses to acknowledge biological science. Her veto of the Parents’ Bill of Rights signals her loyalty to Democrat unions over parents and their children. And her decision to trap Kansans on government dependency rather than compel them to work to earn a living for their family is a disaster. It’s bad enough that the party of Laura Kelly and Joe Biden has created record-high inflation, but now, when she has the opportunity to help Kansans move toward financial independence, she refuses. Kansans see clearly that Laura Kelly is motivated by a liberal partisan agenda. She’s more like Joe Biden every day.”