When it comes to protecting children and taxpayers, the Republican-led Kentucky legislature is not messing around — even as it plays tug-of-war with the state’s Democratic governor.

Kentucky’s House Bill 495 has ignited fiery debate across the state for years. It’s the lifeline that lets minors grappling with gender dysphoria openly talk their struggles out with counselors — a practice dubbed “conversion therapy” by those who oppose it. Designed to guide kids through their confusion, it’s been relentlessly targeted by the Left, with critics like Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear (D) branding it “torture.” In fact, his fierce opposition drove him to veto HB 495 in September 2024, slamming the brakes on the therapy altogether.

But on Thursday, the state legislature roared back by overriding the veto, greenlighting the practice once more. Visibly rattled, Beshear made his opinion clear during a press conference. “Last year,” he said, “I signed an executive order officially banning the practice of conversion therapy on minors. Because it is wrong. It is torture, it has been discredited, and it should not be happening in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.”

Yet the legislature’s move isn’t just about defying Beshear. This bill is a bold stand for both vulnerable children and hardworking taxpayers. Beyond ensuring minors can freely discuss their gender dysphoria with counselors, it throws up a critical shield against the forced funding of so-called “gender-affirming care” in Kentucky. And the support is resounding — Kentuckians are cheering the return of this practice while rejoicing that their tax dollars won’t be hijacked to bankroll radical transgender agendas.

On X, voices rang out in triumph after the veto override. One user declared it “a win because [Beshear’s] EO was a massive overreach.” Another hailed it as “a win for the Gospel,” tying the victory to deeper convictions. A wave of gratitude followed, as countless Kentuckians praising the legislature for its resolute stand.

The Family Foundation in Kentucky released a statement celebrating the override. “Today’s vote to override Gov. Beshear veto of HB 495 is a win for free speech, religious liberty, and for fiscal and moral sanity,” wrote David Walls, executive director of the organization. “Gov. Beshear’s brazen ‘conversion therapy’ executive order was a one-sided counseling ban that directly attacked free speech and Christian convictions. Overturning this unconstitutional order ensures that Kentucky counselors and pastors can once again share the truth about God’s design for gender and sexuality.”

He added that “the idea that state taxpayers should be footing the bill for gender mutilating treatments of any individual is outrageous. We believe that no taxpayer dollars should pay for the gender mutilation of any person anywhere in this Commonwealth. To use taxpayer funds for such purposes is not only poor stewardship but encourages individuals to undergo irreparable harm to their person.” As Walls emphasized, “It’s not possible to change a person’s sex, and government has no place in promoting or subsidizing such madness. We commend the Kentucky General Assembly for taking action to give final passage to HB 495.”

On Friday’s edition of “Washington Watch,” Family Research Council’s David Closson, director of the Center for Biblical Worldview, added his own insight. Overriding the veto matters, he said, “because … these are issues of creation order.” Closson explained that Beshear “likes to show that he’s kind of a moderate. He’s not. And this is evidence of it.” This is also important, he added, because Beshear is allegedly gearing up to run for president in 2028.

As National Review highlighted, “Beshear eked out a 5,000-vote win in 2019. Since then, he has governed from the radical Left. And he has done it with a smile.” As Closson put it, Beshear’s attempt to ban conversion therapy had a “chilling silencing effect on [any] counseling or talk therapy on matters of gender and sexuality,” and it forced taxpayers to “fund these gender transition surgeries through Medicaid.” However, now that “the executive order that Beshear had put in place is … overturned, it’s no longer binding.”

Ultimately, Closson emphasized, “This is important for Christians because, again, these are issues … where the Bible is clear. And so, kudos to those members in the legislature for doing the right thing” and overriding the veto.