Gov. Laura Kelly voted a bill that would ban transgender athletes from playing on school sports teams for girls and women

Lawrence, KS – According to the statement, the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act, passed by the Kansas legislature earlier this month, requires K-12 female athletic teams in the state to only include females biological at birth.

Gov. Kelly said that the legislation sends a devastating message that Kansas is not welcoming to all children and their families, including those who are transgender – who are already at a higher risk of bullying, discrimination and suicide.

Opponents of the bill said it could prevent Kansas from future NCAA tournament rounds which have been hosted in both Kansas City and Wichita.

Other states that have vetoed transgender athlete bills include North Dakota and South Dakota.