FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) – Kentucky’s Democratic governor suspended and vetoed an election-year Republican bill aimed at regulating the lives of transgender youth that includes banning access to gender-affirming health care and restricting the bathrooms they can use.
The bill also bans discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity in schools and allows teachers to refuse to refer to transgender students by the pronouns they use. It easily passed the GOP-led legislature by a veto-proof margin, and lawmakers will reconvene next week for the final two days of this year’s session, when they can vote to override the veto.
Veto by Gov. Andy Beshear comes as he seeks reelection for a second term this year in Republican-trending Kentucky, and his veto could reverberate through the November election.
Kentucky’s law is part of a national movement, with state lawmakers approving extensive measures limiting LGBTQ+ rights this year, from bills targeting trans athletes and drag performers to measures limiting gender-affirming treatment.
In Kentucky, the expanded version that reached Beshear’s desk was floated in both legislative chambers for a few hours on March 16 before lawmakers began a full recess. That quick work allows lawmakers to retain the ability to override the governor’s veto. The move sparked outrage and tears among opponents who were unable to stop the legislation.
The repackaged measure would ban gender-affirming treatment for transgender minors. It would ban gender reassignment surgery for anyone under the age of 18, as well as the use of puberty blockers and hormones, and inpatient and outpatient hospital services.
Doctors should set a timeline for “detransition” of children who have taken puberty blockers or undergone hormone therapy. They can continue to provide care while treating the minor, if removing them from the care could harm the child.
These treatments have long been available in the United States and are approved by major medical associations.
The bill does not allow schools to discuss sexual orientation or gender identity with students of any age.
Another key provision requires school districts to create bathroom policies that, “at a minimum,” do not allow transgender children to use bathrooms that match their gender identity.
It also allows teachers to refuse to refer to transgender students by the pronouns they use and requires schools to notify parents when lessons related to human sexuality will be taught.
After the bill passed the legislature, the American Civil Liberties Union of Kentucky warned it was “prepared” to challenge the measure in court if it becomes law.