TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – Kansas lawmakers voted to move forward with three bills targeting transgender athletes, physicians providing gender-affirming care to minors, and gender definition in government.
Following a committee recommendation, the Kansas House of Representatives passed House Bill 2238 on Thursday, February 23, by a vote of 82-40. On Wednesday, the Whole Committee recommended passage of the bill.
Legislation dubbed the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act would ban transgender students who identify as women from joining women’s sports teams at the school. It will now be sent to the Senate for approval.
On Wednesday, the Kansas Senate Committee recommended passage of Senate Bill 233. The move follows Monday’s approval by the Committee on Public Health and Welfare.
This bill would make it a crime for state-licensed physicians to provide gender-affirming care to minors and require their licenses to be revoked if they do. This bill will now go to the Senate vote. If approved, it will go to the House for approval.
Also on Wednesday, the Senate Committee recommended passage of Senate Bill 180 to establish the Women’s Rights Bill. It would define male and female as assigned at birth and allow such distinctions to be made for government purposes to include:
- Athletics
- Detention facilities
- Shelters for victims of domestic violence or rape
- Locker rooms
- Toilet
This bill also awaits a basic vote.
