A resolution opposing "all efforts to validate transgender identity" was approved by the Kansas Republican Party at its state convention over the weekend. (Getty Images)
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Kansas Republican Party passes resolution to oppose 'all efforts to validate transgender identity
February 19, 2018
A resolution opposing "all efforts to validate transgender identity" was approved by the Kansas Republican Party at its state convention over the weekend, the Wichita Eagle reported.
What happened?
The resolution, which passed based on a voice vote, affirmed "God’s design for gender as determined by biological sex and not by self-perception." It also opposes efforts to surgically or hormonally alter a person's body to align with their "perceived gender identity."
The party's state committee also recognized the dignity of those who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender.
Delegates from each of the congressional districts, along with elected officials and leaders of groups associated with the Republican Party make up the committee of about 180 members.
Eric Teetsel, a member of the committee and president of the Family Policy Alliance of Kansas, proposed the resolution.
"Ultimately, we are motivated by love. It is concern for the well-being of others that drives us to seek out what is true and not just for society, but for them personally," Teetsel told the Eagle.
"And ultimately, an ideology that says you can determine your own gender identity is broken and it’s going to lead to a lot of pain, and that’s why it’s important to bring us back to what we know to be true and good," he added.
The party's platform, which opposes same-sex marriage said, "Our children’s future is best preserved within the traditional understanding of marriage."
"You go back to what does the Republican Party stand for? And I think the committee felt that it aligned with our platform and so, they supported it," Kansas Republican Party Chairman Kelly Arnold said.
What do opponents say?
Equality Kansas told the Eagle it was "incredibly disappointed" that Kansas Republicans had promoted "such an undignified and crass assault."
Paige Hungate, student body president at Wichita State University, said she feared the resolution would polarize the party.
"To me, it is not a pressing issue for us to state that we believe in only two genders," Hungate said. "This hurts us more than it helps us; this makes us seem less willing to accept individuals into the party who may not identify with that stance."
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