The Kansas House has passed a bill designed to end gender-affirming medical care for children.
Senate Bill 233, also known as the Help Not Harm Act, passed by an 80-40 vote Wednesday. It prevents minors from receiving gender reassignment treatments and surgeries.
13th District Representative Duane Droge of Eureka and 76th District Representative Eric Smith of Burlington voted for the measure, while 60th District Representative Mark Schreiber of Emporia voted against it. A statement from House leadership says gender reassignment procedures “have been found to lead to long-term consequences such as sterilization, permanent voice changes, and the increased risk of cardiovascular issues and osteoporosis.”
The bill passed the Kansas Senate in February on a 26-11 vote, with 17th District Senator Jeff Longbine of Emporia in favor. The bill now goes to Governor Laura Kelly, who is all but certain to veto it.
This follows a temporary injunction Monday by Shawnee County District Court, which says Kansas driver’s licenses must show the birth gender instead of preferred gender. This is the latest step in a legal battle over the last year-plus. During last year’s legislative session, Attorney General Kris Kobach sued Governor Kelly and several state agencies to make sure transgender residents could not change their licenses. The Legislature also overrode Kelly’s veto on a bill that defined biological sex.
