Defying the state, Kansas City would be a sanctuary for people seeking gender-affirming health care

Officials in Missouri’s largest city are moving to declare it a sanctuary for people seeking or providing gender-affirming care. Kansas City is poised to defy state officials intent on banning such care for minors and restricting it for adults. A City Council committee approved such a resolution Wednesday, advancing it to the full council for it to consider Thursday. The committee took action as the Republican-controlled Missouri Legislature gave final approval to a bill that would ban gender-affirming care for transgender minors. At least 16 other states have enacted laws restricting or banning such health care.