LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas, April 6, 2021 (LifeSiteNews) — Republican Gov. Asa Hutchinson of Arkansas on Monday vetoed a bill that would block doctors in the state from providing sex change surgeries and other transgender medical procedures to minors.
In a press conference, Hutchinson attacked the legislation, which he was expected to sign, as “overreach.” He cited opposition to the SAFE Act by pro-LGBT medical groups, referring to gender transition procedures as the “best medical care” for confused children.
The Save Adolescents From Experimentation (SAFE) Act was approved by the state senate last week after passing in the Arkansas House by an overwhelming 70-22 margin. Lawmakers can now override Hutchinson’s veto with a simple majority vote.
“A physician or other healthcare professional shall not provide gender transition procedures to any individual under eighteen years of age,” the SAFE Act reads, banning puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and sex change surgeries, as well as referrals for them.
“Arkansas has a compelling government interest in protecting the health and safety of its citizens, especially vulnerable children,” it says, pointing to the extreme risks of gender transition drugs and surgeries, including heart attack, cancer, and life-long infertility. The bill adds that the practices “far outweigh
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