The bill punishing physicians who would provide gender transitioning or gender affirming care for minors and preventing schools from discussing gender identity or sexual orientation with students of any age is now in the hands of the governor. And he’s made it clear he sees the bill as harmful to the children it ostensibly seeks to protect.
"We know from all the statistics that this type of bill will lead to an increase in teen suicides in Kentucky," the governor told WKYT. "I can tell you I will never be able to support a bill that's going to lead to increased suicides."
Reaction from opponents has been swift, with the ACLU saying it’s prepared to mount a legal challenge if the bill becomes law and a Kentucky activist, Deric Lostutter, posting a TikTok of himself filing his own complaint arguing provisions of the sweeping legislation are unconstitutional.
"See you in court, Kentucky," he says before signing off.
But despite those hurdles, the bill has a clear path to becoming law – with Republican supermajorities in the General Assembly able to override a veto during the final two days of the session.
"I can tell you I will never be able to support a bill that's going to lead to increased suicides."Gov. Andy Beshear
Supporters, such as the Family Foundation, have called the legislation aimed at transgender youth a “big win for Kentucky families” with “strong parental rights protections in education” and provisions that protect kids from “irreparable harm.”
Kentucky’s top education official, Jason Glass, strongly denounced the bill in a statement – and unveiled plans for the Department of Education to hold a summit in support of the LGBTQ community this fall.
