Gov. Andy Beshear vetoes controversial transgender bill, some Republican candidates for Governor issue statements

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WYMT/WKYT/AP) - Gov. Andy Beshear has vetoed Senate Bill 150, which controversial bill dealing with transgender and human sexuality issues in schools.

The bill deals with parental notification and how schools deal with the use of pronouns.

It prevents school personnel or pupils from having to use pronouns that do not conform to a student’s biological sex. The state school board cannot keep student info confidential from parents.

It was combined with parts of another bill that say healthcare providers cannot perform surgeries to change a minor’s sex.

The bill easily passed the GOP-led legislature with veto-proof margins, and lawmakers will reconvene next week for the final two days of this year’s session, when they could vote to override the veto.

“I believe Senate Bill 150 tears away the freedom from parents to make important and difficult medical decisions for their kids,” Beshear said.

The legislation in Kentucky is part of a national movement, with state lawmakers approving extensive measures that restrict the rights of LGBTQ+ people this year, from bills targeting trans athletes and drag performers to measures limiting gender-affirming care.

After the bill passed the legislature, the American Civil Liberties Union of Kentucky warned that it “stands ready” to challenge the measure in court if it becomes law.

Several Republican candidates for Governor released statements following Governor Beshear’s veto.

Daniel Cameron, Kelly Craft and Ryan Quarles said they would support Senate Bill 150.

”I would sign the bill. I know that there is going to be legal repercussions of that in terms of lawsuits, but I think a lot of other states have already done this and that most Kentuckians would agree with most parts of what’s in the bill,” Quarles said.

Attorney General Daniel Cameron issued the following statement:

Kelly Craft posted the following statement on Facebook:

“As a mother and grandmother, I think the fact that we’re even having this conversation is insanity. This movement across the nation to impose radical gender ideology on our kids instead of improving reading, writing, and math skills, is wrong. We should not allow children to be subjected to these life-changing, irreversible surgeries and drugs. As Governor, I will fight any attempt to sexualize our children and rob them of their futures. It’s time we dismantle the Department of Education and start fresh. Governor Beshear doesn’t have the leadership to do it but the Craft-Wise Administration will deliver on that promise.”

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