Lawrence, KS – According to the statement, the Kansas Senate failed to override Gov. Laura Kelly’s veto of Senate Bill 55 – known as the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act – by a vote of 26-14.
The officials have reported that the Senate needed a two-thirds majority to override the governor’s veto. The outcome was in doubt until the only Democrat to waver on voting against the override, Sen. David Haley, of Kansas City, cast his no vote.
Gov. Kelly issued a statement:
“Senate Bill 55 was a mean-spirited, divisive and unnecessary piece of legislation that would have threatened our successful efforts to recruit new businesses and jobs to Kansas. I will continue to use every tool I have to stop extremism and keep Kansas welcoming, inclusive and open for business.”
The bill was originally approved by the Republican-controlled House and Senate in early April.
Supporters argued that they’re trying to preserve decades of hard-won opportunities for biological girls and women to compete in K-12 sports and win college athletic scholarships. They suggested that failing to enact such a ban represented discrimination against girls and women.
Opponents of the bill said it could lead the state to lose big events such as NCAA tournaments.