Kentucky Passes ‘Worst Anti-Trans Bill In The Nation’

Kentucky lawmakers have passed anti-transgender legislation which has been called “the worst anti-trans bill in the nation.” The state’s legislature passed SB 150 Thursday, March 16, with approval from both the state Senate and House. SB 150 would create a ban on gender-affirming healthcare for trans young people, as well as require school districts to form policies that would prohibit trans children from using bathrooms and locker rooms consistent with their gender identity. But the legislation isn’t just a prohibition on gender-affirming healthcare for trans youth. It will also require doctors to create a timeline to taper off treatment for minors currently receiving hormone therapy or puberty blockers. The bill also prohibits schools from discussing sexual orientation or gender identity with students of any age, and bans any policies that could keep personal information about students confidential from parents. If the student happens to be in a home with anti-LGBTQ caregivers, this could put those young people in danger. Related: Arizona, Mississippi Lawmakers Approve Anti-Trans Bills Kentucky state senator Dr Karen Berg, who lost her trans son to suicide in 2022, denounced the legislation, telling folks on Twitter, “Hate has no shame in this state.”

These rights, every other family enjoys.

Hate has no shame in this state. 2/2 pic.twitter.com/70kEjVp3Os — Karen Berg (@karenforky) March 17, 2023

The Trevor Project issued a statement calling the bill “appalling” and “dangerous.” The ACLU of Kentucky denounced the bill as “unconstitutional” and labeling the legislation as “the worst anti-trans bill in the nation” on Twitter. The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) called on Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (D) to veto the bill saying it would “terrorize transgender youth in schools, in doctor’s offices.” SB 150 now heads to the governor’s desk next where it is must be signed into law or vetoed in 10 days. Political experts expect it to be vetoed, and the veto overridden. https://twitter.com/ACLUofKY/status/1636495935709618176

And yes, you read that correctly: “…if this unconstitutional measure becomes law, our legal team stands ready to see the commonwealth in court.” #SB150 #KYGA23 #transpeoplebelonginkentucky

— ACLU of Kentucky (@ACLUofKY) March 16, 2023