Kansas Passes Law Banning Transgender Athletes from Girls’ and Women’s Sports, Sparking Criticism from LGBTQ Activists

The state of Kansas has passed a law banning transgender athletes from participating in girls’ and women’s sports from kindergarten through college. The legislation was passed by Republican legislators over the veto of Democratic Governor Laura Kelly, making it the third veto override in three years.

The law, which takes effect July 1, is part of a larger trend of Republican lawmakers across the United States pushing back on LGBTQ rights. On Tuesday, the same legislature passed a broad bathroom bill, further restricting the rights of transgender people.

The law has been met with criticism from LGBTQ activists, who argue that it is discriminatory and will have a negative impact on transgender athletes. In a statement, the Human Rights Campaign said, “This law is a direct attack on the dignity and humanity of transgender Kansans, and it will have a devastating impact on the lives of transgender youth in particular.”

The law has also been opposed by the Kansas State High School Activities Association, which has argued that it will be difficult to enforce and could lead to costly legal battles.

The law is the latest in a series of restrictions on LGBTQ rights in the state of Kansas. It remains to be seen how the law will be enforced and what impact it will have on transgender athletes in the state.