The Facts
Overriding Democrat Gov. Laura Kelly's veto, the Kansas state legislature Wednesday passed a bill banning transgender athletes from competing in women's sports after failing to gain the two-thirds majority needed for an override in 2021 and 2022.
The bill, which passed 84-40 in the House and 28-12 in the Senate, bans transgender athletes from women’s and girls’ teams from kindergarten through college.
The Spin
Democratic narrative
Beyond the absurdity of attacking a demographic that totals three student-athletes in the entire state, this bill could also lead to the state implementing invasive bodily inspections to ensure athletes are the so-called correct gender. Transgender students don't harm their cisgender counterparts in any way, but this legislation strips this demographic of their rights to play on teams that align with who they are.
Republican narrative
Emerging science shows trans athletes have a biological advantage over women even after lowering their testosterone levels, and regulations like these are needed to protect the integrity of sports and the women who are at risk of being left to compete for second place. It's essential to prioritize fairness over the woke ideas and political correctness that has many participating in today's rendition of the Emperor's New Clothes.