Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson Vetoed Bill That Bans Gender Reassignment Surgeries And Other Treatments For Transgender Youth

Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson vetoed House Bill 1570. The bill banned transgender youth from receiving gender reassignment surgeries and other treatments.

“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.”

Hutchinson told reporters during a news conference that the bill is “well-intentioned but off course.”

“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,” Hutchinson said.

Last month, Hutchinson signed a bill that bans transgender girls and women from participating in sports aligning with their chosen gender.