5 April 2023
TOPEKA, Kan. (KSNT)- The Kansas House revived a bill banning transgender athletes from women sports on Wednesday by successfully overriding a veto by Governor Laura Kelly.
Lawmakers voted 84-40 to override Kelly’s veto of HB 2238, which would require state athletic teams to be designated as either “male,” female” or “coed/mixed.” The proposal establishes the “Fairness in Women Sports Act,” which supporters argue will level the playing field for women sports.
House Republican leaders released the following statement Wednesday morning, shortly after overriding the governor’s veto in the House:
“The Fairness in Women’s Sports act protects the rights of female athletes in the state by requiring that female student athletic teams only include members who are biologically female. House Republicans are united in our commitment to defending the intention of Title IX.
We proudly stand with the female athletes across Kansas in their pursuit of athletic awards, opportunities, and scholarships and believe they deserve every chance at success afforded to their male counterparts.”
Speaker of the House Dan Hawkins, Majority Leader Chris Croft, and Speaker Pro Tem Blake Carpenter
Lawmakers in the House gained the two votes needed to override the governor’s veto after voting to pass the bill 82-40 in February.
The bill passed the Senate last month, 28-11. Republicans would need 27 votes in the Senate to override the governor’s veto.
The proposal stirred controversy during debates and hearings. Opponents of the bill argue that it takes aim at the transgender community.
“Trans people have given you no reason to fear us,” said D.C. Hiegert, a legal fellow with the ACLU of Kansas, who spoke during hearings earlier this year. “We are just people trying to live our lives. However, you have given trans people valid reason to fear you.”