Kansas City declares itself a 'safe haven' for gender-affirming health care as Missouri restricts...

Just a day after the Missouri legislature approved a ban on gender-affirming care, Kansas City passed a policy offering safe haven to the transgender community.

The Kansas City Council on Thursday voted 11-1 to pass a resolution that declares the city a safe haven for gender-affirming care and adopts an official policy on gender-affirming care. The policy now stands in defiance of recent Missouri actions to restrict the rights of transgender people and their ability to access the healthcare they need.

On Wednesday, the Missouri legislature passed bills banning gender-affirming care — like puberty blockers, hormone therapy and gender transition surgery — for kids under 18. The legislature also passed a bill banning transgender athletes from playing on the sports team that aligns with their gender identity, up to the collegiate level.

The state bills now head to Gov. Mike Parson’s desk. He is expected to sign them into law.