US enforces anti-trans ‘bathroom bounty’ law despite governor’s veto

US lawmakers have forced an anti-trans ‘bathroom bounty’ law into effect, despite a state governor’s veto.

Kansas lawmakers collectively defied state governor Laura Kelly’s refusal to implement a bill restricting the use of public facilities, such as toilets or changing rooms, based on so-called ‘biological sex’ only.

SB 244, dubbed the bathroom bounty bill by critics, allows Kansans to sue individuals whom they believe are transgender if they enter the same single-sex public facility. It was passed in January.

Governor Kelly blocked the bill from coming into effect on 13 February, arguing that it was “poorly drafted” and would have numerous consequences “far beyond the intent to limit the right for trans people to use the appropriate bathroom”.

The Democratic governor’s veto was then overturned by a collection of House politicians, which has allowed the anti-trans measure to come into effect.

In a statement published following the veto’s override, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) said the “bizarre and cruel” bill would have devastating impacts for all citizens, not just trans and non-binary people.

“Instead of meeting the needs of their constituents, Kansas lawmakers have prioritised cruelty,” the organisation’s president, Kelley Robinson, said. “As one of their first acts, they forced through this ‘bathroom bounty’ bill under the cover of night and then overrode the governor just days later, denying LGBTQ+ Kansans and their allies an opportunity to even speak in defence of their dignity.”

The law requires that individuals bring their IDs or other relevant documents with them when accessing single-sex facilities. If they are deemed in violation of the bathroom ban, they could be fined up to $1,000 (£743).

Robinson argued the bill does not make “anyone safer” and instead targets transgender, gender non-conforming, or any other Kansans for “no reason”.

“[The law] will undoubtedly impact many others who are targeted with animus whether or not they are transgender. Meanwhile, leaders ignore real challenges facing families,” she continued. “This was sadly politics over people, but we will keep fighting for dignity and freedom for all LGBTQ+ people.”

In a statement following her decision to veto the bill, governer Kelly argued that, under the law’s vague provisions, a grandaughter would be unable to visit their grandfather in a shared nursing room.

“If your wife is in a shared hospital room, as a husband, you would not be able to visit her. If your sister is living in a dorm at K-State, as a brother, you would not be able to visit her in her room. If you feel you have to accompany your nine-year-old daughter to the restroom at a sporting event, as a father, you would have to either enter the women’s restroom with her or let her use the restroom alone.”

Kansas politician and trans woman, Abigail Boatman, condemned the lawmakers advocating for the bill during a floor debate prior to the bill’s passing.

She said: “I have sat here for five and half hours, and listened to this entire room debate my humanity and my ability to participate in the most basic functions of society. And from the bottom of my heart, I hope none of you have to ever sit through something like that.”

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