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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CPC Calls on Legislature to Override Gov. Beshear’s Veto of HB 495
March 24, 2025
CONTACT: Richard Nelson (richard@commonwealthpolicy.org)
(Frankfort, KY) – Over the weekend, Gov. Andy Beshear vetoed HB 495, a bill that rolled back gender ideology in the Commonwealth. “The veto may have made for high drama at the LGBTQ+ rights dinner he keynoted on Saturday, but it didn’t further the common good and First Amendment principles of free speech and religion,” said CPC Executive Director Richard Nelson.
HB 495 specifically restored the right of certified counselors to help gender dysphoric or LGBTQ+ identified minors align with their biology. It also restored parents’ rights to get help for their gender dysphoric children. The governor’s executive order back in September prescribed into law counseling that exclusively supports LGBTQ+ identity of minors and others, and banned any sexual orientation change efforts (SOCE).
“The governor unfortunately conflated conversion therapy, a discredited and often abusive practice, with any counseling on sexual orientation change efforts,” Nelson said. “The legislature’s passage of HB 495 restored the principle of patient determination, parental rights, and the constitutional principle that the government cannot prescribe speech.”
HB 495 also banned Medicaid funding for gender transitions in the Commonwealth.
“Taxpayers shouldn’t be expected to pick up the tab for someone’s gender transition,” Nelson said.
The Commonwealth Policy Center is calling on the state legislature to override Beshear veto of HB 495.
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