Kentucky Democratic Governor Andy Beshear recently defended his record on transgender issues during an appearance on CNN’s “State of the Union.” He emphasized that his party does not forsake individuals, referencing his veto of a bill that aimed to forbid transgender students from participating in girls’ and women’s sports.
Veto of Senate Bill 83
In 2022, Governor Beshear vetoed Kentucky’s Senate Bill 83, which stopped male students from joining girls’ athletic teams from sixth grade through college. Although the Republican-dominated legislature later overrode his veto, Beshear highlighted Kentucky’s sole transgender athlete at the time in defending his stance.
“We don’t throw anybody under the bus,” Beshear said. “We begin as a party of compassion and empathy. Putting the government in charge of sports ruins them.”
Criticism from the Republican National Committee
RNC National Press Secretary Natalie Baldassarre criticized Beshear in a statement, claiming he prioritizes transgender policies over female athletes. She stated that Beshear’s record shows he compromises girls’ safety for political gain, accusing Democrats of betraying their voters on the issue.
Beshear’s Perspective on Fair Competition
Beshear told Tapper he supports fair athletic competition but refuses to neglect transgender Americans amid political attacks. He mentioned that Kentucky had rules from its High School Athletic Association that prevented unfair advantages in sports competitions, unlike situations seen in colleges.
Veto of Senate Bill 150
In 2023, Beshear vetoed Senate Bill 150 that restricted transgender medical treatments for minors and enforced school policies limiting facilities based on biological sex. Republican lawmakers overrode this veto as well.
Beshear argued that existing rules were adequate to ensure competitive fairness, pointing to regulations requiring athletes to compete based on the sex on their birth certificate, while allowing a way for transgender athletes adhering to medical requirements.
While defending the veto of SB 150, Beshear cited parental rights and mental health as reasons for opposition. His campaign clarified that his stance was due to the bill’s various provisions, not just its restriction on sex-change surgeries for minors.
Fox News Digital attempted to reach Beshear for further comment but did not receive a prompt response.