Kansas approves bill to end gender-affirming care for minors

By JOHN HANNA
AP Political Writer

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Republican legislators in Kansas have approved a proposal to end gender-affirming care for transgender youth. Their action early Friday capped three days of intensifying efforts to follow other states with GOP-controlled legislatures by rolling back LGBTQ rights. The Kansas House voted 70-52 to pass a bill requiring the state’s medical board to revoke the licenses of doctors who provide gender-affirming care to minors, even though many professionals who deal with transgender youth see such care as vital for preservation of mental health and to prevent suicides. The Senate then voted 23-12 to approve the measure, sending it to Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly. The governor is expected to veto it.