Arkansas Governor Vetoed a Bill That Banned All Gender Reassignment Surgeries For Youth
Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R) vetoed a bill on Monday that would have banned all gender reassignment surgeries and other treatments for transgender youth in the state, calling the bill an example of government overreach.
Hutchinson announced his veto at a news conference with reporters, calling the bill “well-intentioned, but off course,” and explaining that it put the state in a position to override the decisions of doctors and parents.
“I must veto House Bill 1570,” Hutchinson said. “I have signed the veto … today, and I have notified the sponsors as well as the leadership of the House and Senate as well.”
“If [the bill] becomes law we are creating new standards of legislative interference with physicians and parents as they deal with some of the most complex and sensitive matters dealing with young people,” he said.
