Kansas governor Laura Kelly on Tuesday vetoed a proposed Republican-backed ban on gender-affirming care for transgender minors.
On social media, Kansas U.S. Senator Roger Marshall criticized the governor's action. "Disgraceful veto, Laura Kelly."
"Yet again, putting her radical liberal ideology above the safety of Kansas kids. Child mutilation is not a parental right and on the contrary, should be criminal. "I look forward to the legislature overriding this insane veto."
At least 26 other states have restricted gender-affirming care for minors.
In her veto message Governor Kelly wrote, “Right now, the Legislature should be focused on ways to help Kansans cope with rising prices. That is the most important issue for Kansans. That is where my focus is.
“Infringing on parental rights is not appropriate, nor is it a Kansas value. As I’ve said before, it is not the job of politicians to stand between a parent and a child who needs medical care of any kind. This legislation will also drive families, businesses, and health care workers out of our state, stifling our economy and exacerbating our workforce shortage issue. "
“It is disappointing that the Legislature continues to push for government interference in Kansans’ private medical decisions instead of focusing on issues that improve all Kansans’ lives. "