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Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, a Democrat, is expected to veto the
bill, as she vetoed two similar measures in the previous two
years. But this year the bill appears to have enough support to
override any veto. The governor's office did not immediately
reply to a request for comment.
Supporters of the bill and those like it say it is necessary to
ensure a level playing field in women's sports. Opponents and
LGBTQ advocates say the laws are unnecessary, given the small
number of transgender athletes in school sports.
Transgender rights have been pushed to the forefront of the U.S.
culture wars and political standoffs between Republicans and
Democrats. At least 18 states have passed or enacted legislation
preventing transgender students from playing on school sports
teams matching their gender identity.
The Kansas Senate on Thursday voted 28-11 to pass the bill. The
House voted 82-40 to pass the measure on Feb. 23. To override a
veto, two-thirds of each chamber would have vote against the
governor's action.
The latest version of the bill bars transgender girls and women
from female sports teams in public elementary schools, middle
schools, high schools and colleges, as well as from private
school teams that compete against public schools.
Several Republican-led states have also passed laws that ban
gender-affirming healthcare for transgender youth. In some
cases, parents and doctors can be charged with crimes if that
treatment is provided.
Other bills before state legislatures include bans on teachers
from using pronouns that match a student's gender identity, and
requirements that transgender people use bathrooms corresponding
with their gender at birth.
(Reporting by Brad Brooks in Lubbock, Texas; Editing by Edwina
Gibbs)
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