Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear has vetoed a bill banning trans athletes from competing in gender-segregated sporting events. Beshear, a Democrat, refused to sign the bill Wednesday, saying it was likely unconstitutional. Beshear argued that the law “discriminates against trans people” and would therefore not stand up in court. The Republican-dominated legislature could impose the bill by a majority in both houses, which is expected to happen next week. JUTA LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL VOTES TO DISCOVER GOV. COX VETO ON PROHIBITION OF BRIEF SPORTS The bill passed the state with 70 votes to 23 against. The state senate was similar, with 26 votes to 9 against. A simple majority is required to overturn the governor’s veto. “This bill is a solution to the search for a non-existent problem,” said Samuel Crankshaw, a spokesman for the American Civil Liberties Union of Kentucky. “It has its roots in hatred and is unconstitutional.” Under the Kentucky bill, a student’s gender will be determined by the “biological sex” on the student’s birth certificate “as originally issued at the time of birth or adoption.” Republican Sen. Robbie Mills, the bill’s main sponsor, said the measure would ensure that girls and women would compete with other organic females. Kentucky is not the first state to pass legislation on trans athletes. The GOP-led states are increasingly adopting such bans on trans girls or women, although the bans have been challenged in several states as violations of federal law. The Jute The legislature voted in March to overturn Republican Gov. Spencer Cox’s veto of a measure that would bar trans girls from participating in women’s sports in schools across the state. University of Pennsylvania swimmer Leah Thomas and Kentucky swimmer Riley Gaines are reacting after finishing 5th in the 200 freestyle finals at the NCAA NCAA Swimming and Diving Championships at McAu Aqua on March 20 at 22: (Rich von Biberstein / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) In a 56-18 vote with the required majority, the Republican-controlled House initially voted to overturn Cox’s veto. Shortly afterwards, the Senate gave the final approval to bypass the veto by a vote of 21-8. CLICK HERE TO RECEIVE THE FOX NEWS APPLICATION Earlier last month, Indiana Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb, too vetoed a bill which would prevent trans women from participating in women’s sports, arguing that the measure “leaves too many unanswered questions” and questioning the need for state intervention. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
