Kansas Governor Laura Kelly vetoed the Help Not Harm Act today designed to protect children from irreversible and experimental procedures and would allow parents and families to sue those who caused permanent damage.
Nations like the United Kingdom have banned what has been touted as “gender affirming care” for minors when scientific research indicated the irreversible harm done by puberty blockers and other gender medical practices on minors.
The bill passed the Kansas House 80-40 and the Kansas Senate 26-11.
To override the veto, the House will need 83 votes, and the Senate will need 27.
House Speaker Daniel Hawkins released a statement vowing to override the veto.
“As we watch other states, nations, and organizations reverse course on these experimental procedures on children, Laura Kelly will most surely find herself on the wrong side of history with her reckless veto of this common-sense protection for Kansas minors,” Hawkins said. “House Republicans stand ready to override her veto to protect vulnerable Kansas kids.”
So far, 22 states have already banned many of these practices including the bordering states of Nebraska, Missouri and Oklahoma.
Finland and the United Kingdom limit gender-affirming surgeries to those above the age of 18. Sweden and the Netherlands allow chest surgery at 16 but genital alterations are restricted to those above the age of 18.
Earl Watt is the owner and publisher of the Leader & Times in Liberal, Kansas. Watt started his career in journalism in 1991 at the Southwest Daily Times. During his career, the newspaper has won a total of 17 Sweepstakes awards from the Kansas Press Association for editorial content and 18 Sweepstakes awards for advertising. Watt has been recognized with more than 70 first place awards for writing in categories from sports and column to best front pages, best sports pages and best opinion pages. Watt is a member of the Sons of the American Revolution and is the descendant of several patriots who fought for America's freedom and independence.
