Contact:
Mara Powell
mpowell@kyyouth.org

Statement from Dr. Terry Brooks, executive director of Kentucky Youth Advocates

LOUISVILLE, KY – Today was a seminal moment in the Kentucky House. The question at hand: Is the House committed to all of Kentucky’s kids or just some of Kentucky’s kids?

We are appreciative of the “NO” votes on HB 470 from the House Democratic caucus members to be sure. And a special thanks is merited for those House Republicans who also voted “NO” today. Representatives Kim Banta, Stephanie Dietz, and Kim Moser showed a moral backbone that is all too rare these days. They let conscience, rather than political considerations, guide their vote.

Let’s hope that a sufficient number of Republicans in the Senate look to these gutsy members of the GOP as HB 470 moves towards their chamber.

The reality is that there are disproportionately negative mental health outcomes for LGBTQ+ youth – every child deserves access to health and mental health services that meet their needs and protect their dignity.

Stay up-to-date on Blueprint for Kentucky’s Children priorities and other bills that are good for kids on our Kentucky General Assembly Bill Tracker.

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About Kentucky Youth Advocates
Kentucky Youth Advocates believes all children deserve to be safe, healthy, and secure. As THE independent voice for Kentucky’s children, we work to ensure policymakers create investments and policies that are good for children. Learn more at www.kyyouth.org.