As expected, Kansas lawmakers have overridden Governor Laura Kelly’s veto of what’s called the Help Not Harm Act.
Votes were 31-9 in the Kansas Senate and 85-34 in the House.
Supporters, including 17th District Senator Mike Argabright of Olpe, 13th District Representative Duane Droge of Eureka and 76th District Representative Brad Barrett of Osage City, say the bill is needed because gender reaffirmation care, including puberty blockers and transgender surgery, “violates the first duty of medicine: do no harm.” Senate President Ty Masterson says this signals “Kansas is no longer a sanctuary state for the maiming and sterilization of minors,” while members of the House Leadership Team say the override protects “Kansas kids from the irreversible harms of experimental gender transition surgeries and medicines.”
Critics, including 60th District Representative Mark Schreiber of Emporia, say the medical community at large believes this kind of care is acceptable and needed. Schreiber voted against the bill and the override effort, saying this sets a dangerous precedent for denying medical care for people who are “different.”
