Missouri lawmakers ban gender-affirming care, trans athletes; Kansas City moves to defy state
FILE - Glenda Starke wears a transgender flag as a counter protest during a rally in favor of a ban on gender-affirming health care legislation, March 20, 2023, at the Missouri Statehouse in Jefferson City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel, File)[ASSOCIATED PRESS/Charlie Riedel]
Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Missouri state Rep. Chris Sander, R-Lone Jack, and House Democrats speak with reporters Wednesday, May 10, 2023, in the state Capitol in Jefferson City, Mo. Sander, who is gay, slammed fellow lawmakers for passing a ban on puberty blockers, hormones and surgeries when used as gender-affirming care for minors. If signed by the Republican governor, Missouri's Medicaid program will no longer cover gender-affirming health care, and transgender and nonbinary prisoners and inmates would no longer be able to get surgeries. (AP Photo/Summer Ballentine)
Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS/Summer Ballentine
Mayor Quinton Lucas listens to public comments on a resolution that would make Kansas City, Mo, a sanctuary city for transgender people during a committee meeting to consider the resolution, Wednesday, May 10, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. The move comes in the wake of Missouri legislators voting to ban gender-affirming care and trans athletes. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS/Charlie Riedel
Councilmember Andrea Bough speaks in favor of a resolution that would make Kansas City, Mo, a sanctuary city for transgender people during a committee meeting to consider the resolution, Wednesday, May 10, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. The move comes in the wake of Missouri legislators voting to ban gender-affirming care and trans athletes. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS/Charlie Riedel