Kansas Governor Vetos Bill Banning Transgender Athletes From Women’s Sports, Setting Up Override Fight

TOPEKA, Kan.—A Kansas bill banning transgender athletes from girls’ and women’s sports was vetoed by Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly for the third year in a row Friday, setting up a hotly contested fight in the Republican-controlled Legislature to override her.

Kelly’s actions were expected due to her two previous vetoes. Kelly’s vetoes were an issue in numerous television attack ads by Kansas Republicans when she ran for reelection last spring. She won narrowly.

In her veto message, Kelly stated that the bill would cause mental problems for students and hinder the state’s ability to attract businesses. Kelly stated that lawmakers should also leave the matter to the state association, which was established decades ago to oversee student activities at middle and high schools.

“Let’s be clear what this bill is all about—politics,” Kelly wrote. “It won’t increase any test scores. It won’t help any kids read or write. It won’t help any teachers prepare our kids for the real world.”

Kelly’s arguments Friday were the same as those she made during her past veto message and during her reelection campaign.

Republicans hold more votes than the two-thirds majority required to override any veto. However, in 2021 and 20, a few moderate Republicans voted against Kelly’s override. This year’s Senate and House votes suggest that supporters may have just enough votes for victory.

“Despite her repeated pledges to meet us in the middle, the governor has decided to side yet again with the most radical elements of her party,” Ty Masterson, Kansas Senate President and a Wichita Republican, stated in a Friday statement.

The measure would apply for girls’ and woman’s K-12, club or college sports. If Kelly’s objection is overcome by supporters, Kansas will join 18 other states with similar laws, including Oklahoma, Texas and Iowa.