FORT SMITH, Arkansas – The Arkansas legislature has overturned the governor’s veto on a bill banning transitional surgeries and hormonal supplements for anyone under the age of 18 in the state.
The House voted 72-25 and the Senate voted 25-8 on Tuesday to overturn Gov. Asa Hutchinson’s veto on Bill 1570, which will come into effect later this summer.
The bill makes Arkansas the first state to ban sex confirmation treatments and surgery for transgender youth.
It prohibits doctors from providing sex-confirming hormone therapy, puberty inhibitors, or surgery to anyone under the age of 18, or referring them to other providers for treatment. The bill does not contain any provision for young people in transition.
The waiver follows Hutchinson who said he fully expected the Arkansas legislature to act in this manner after signing the veto on Monday.
Previously: Arkansas Governor Hutchinson opposes bill to ban youth reassignment surgeries, calling it ‘too broad, extreme’
Hutchinson vetoed the bill following calls from pediatricians, social workers and parents of transgender youth who said the measure would harm a community already at risk of depression and suicide.
Hutchison was opposed by the state Rep. Robin Lundstrum, R-Elm Springs, the main sponsor of the bill.
“(The bill) simply protects juveniles from prey and pressure to make adult decisions before they’re ready,” Lundstrum said in a statement. “Those who claim otherwise are not being honest and have not read the bill or put fundraising above the best interests of children.”
The bill has been publicly opposed by the American Medical Association and the American Psychological Association. Hutchinson said major Arkansas medical organizations also opposed the bill.
The United States Civil Liberties Union has said it is preparing litigation against the legislation, called the Save Adolescents From Experimentation (SAFE) Act.
“It’s a sad day for Arkansas, but this fight is not over – and we’re in it for the long haul,” said Holly Dickson, executive director of the Arkansas ACLU, in a statement. .
Video: TV shows and movies documenting the transgender experience
Contribution: Andrew DeMillo, Associated Press
Live trial of Derek Chauvin: EMT says Minneapolis policy requires police to call ambulance and provide medical assistance in ‘critical’ situations
Surveys: LSU sports administrator claims years of harassment and retaliation after reporting Les Miles
This article originally appeared on Fort Smith Times Record: Arkansas transgender bill: legislature trumps Governor Asa Hutchinson