Hundreds belonging to the LGBTQ+ community and their allies protested against the new anti-trans bill from becoming law in Kentucky. However, their efforts were to no avail.
All about Kentucky’s new anti-trans bill
The republican-dominated Kentucky Senate on Wednesday voted for overriding Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear’s veto of Senate Bill 150. After 30 minutes, the Hose made it a law. The new anti-trans bill is expected to face challenges blocking its implementation. “To all the trans youth who may be affected by this legislation: we stand by you, and we will not stop fighting. You are cherished, you are loved. You belong. To the commonwealth: we will see you in court,” stated the ACLU of Kentucky.
The anti-trans bill is one of the strictest in the world, prohibiting all conversations around sexual orientation and gender identity in school. It requires the school districts to forbid trans students from using bathrooms tied to their chosen genders. The law bans all gender-affirming medical care for trans youth and allows teachers to refuse to use their preferred pronouns. Moreover, the law also requires doctors to re-transition minors in their care. While the gender-affirming medical treatments will come to effect in late June, other provisions will take effect immediately.
More on the matter
Protestors at the Kentucky Capitol made their way into the building and draped pride flags. Some protestors who made their way into the gallery shouted “When trans kids are under attack, what do we do? Say ‘no,’ fight back.” However, they were led out in handcuffs before being arrested by the state police. “While we also lost the battle in the legislature, our defeat is temporary. We will not lose in court. And we are winning in so many other ways,” stated Chris Hartman, who is with the Fairness Campaign. “They are our hope for a Kentucky future that is fairer, more just, and more beautifully diverse and accepting than ever before,” he added.