Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly vetoed a proposal on Friday that would have banned transgender athletes from girls sports and another that would have required schools to let parents challenge classroom curriculum — a measure she has called a “teacher demoralization act.”
The vetoes from the Democratic governor weren’t unexpected. Kelly last year rejected legislation similar to the athlete ban and she had already criticized the curriculum measure, which Republicans called a “parent’s bill of rights.”
The bills reflect the political trap GOP lawmakers are trying to set for Kelly, a first-term governor up for reelection in November. The Legislature has sent her a variety of conservative priorities this year, daring her to either sign the bills — allowing Republicans to claim victory — or veto them and face attacks during the campaign.
