Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear faced sharp criticism this week after citing the Bible on ABC’s The View to defend his veto of legislation restricting gender transition treatments for minors.

Beshear, a potential 2028 presidential contender, framed his opposition to such laws using the Golden Rule and the parable of the Good Samaritan, claiming his faith compelled him to protect “all children” from being “picked on.” He described his actions as consistent with Christian teaching, though he did not reference specific Scripture beyond these general principles.

The comments drew rebuke from theologian Albert Mohler, who accused the governor of distorting biblical teaching. In a video posted to X, Mohler said Beshear’s selective use of Scripture reduces the Bible to a tool for political ends, ignoring foundational teachings on creation and the male-female order described in Genesis.

“You really are looking here at two different rival religions,” Mohler said. “You have historic, orthodox, biblical Christianity, and you have theological liberalism and whatever it produces next. It’s cut the Bible down to size, it doesn’t begin with Genesis 1, evidently just the Golden Rule and the Good Samaritan.”

Beshear previously invoked his faith when vetoing Senate Bill 150 in 2023, which sought to ban puberty blockers and gender-altering surgeries for minors. He argued the legislation would endanger children and increase youth suicides. The Kentucky General Assembly overrode his veto, allowing the bill to become law. In 2025, he cited similar reasoning in vetoing House Bill 495, which limited Medicaid coverage for sex-change care.

Mohler warned Christians to exercise discernment when politicians use Scripture to advance policy agendas, arguing that Beshear’s approach represents a politicized interpretation rather than historic biblical teaching.

Despite the controversy, Beshear is widely discussed as a likely Democratic candidate in the 2028 presidential election.