Sunflower State News

Brian Burch, President of Catholic Vote, has emphasized the pivotal role of state legislative seats in addressing "fundamental moral and medical issues." He expressed apprehension over the perceived lack of informed decision-making among some Republican legislators in Kansas concerning transgender medical treatments for minors.

"Every elected office is important, and state legislative seats are as important as ever as fundamental moral and medical issues increasingly are put to a vote," said Brian E. Burch. "Even in the heartland of America, Kansas, where you might expect there to be informed majorities, some elected Republicans are still quite ill-informed about the latest facts surrounding issues such as transgender so-called 'care."

As reported by The Daily Wire, the legislature in Kansas was unable to override Governor Laura Kelly's veto of a bill that sought to ban puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and gender surgeries for minors. This decision came after a heated vote where the House fell just two votes short of achieving the necessary two-thirds majority. The outcome was influenced by a change in stance by Republican representatives Susan Concannon and Jesse Borjon. While Borjon agreed with some restrictions, he opposed the bill's intrusion into children's mental and behavioral health care.

The Kansas Reflector reported that Concannon argued for medical decisions to be made between professionals and parents rather than dictated by the state. "We hear about mental health, about suicide, and ask why," said Concannon. "We’re not listening to the impact on youth. Government involvement is not the answer."

The Daily Wire also noted that the vetoed Kansas bill would have permitted legal actions against doctors who violated the proposed ban. Additionally, it would have prohibited using state funds for transgender medical treatments for children. This legislative effort mirrors a global trend as several European countries have also imposed strict restrictions on transgender medical services for children due to concerns over their long-term impacts. Governor Kelly hailed sustaining the veto as a victory for parental rights and family well-being in Kansas.

Catholic Vote is an advocacy organization based in Madison, Wisconsin. According to its website, it aims to "inspire every Catholic in America to live out the truths of our faith in public life." Founded in 2008, its president is Brian Burch.