For Immediate Release: April 7, 2021
Contact: Ryan Hite, Communications Director
Gov. Asa Hutchinson Caves to “Public Image” Pressure
Washington, D.C.: “Arkansas led the nation this week as the first state to ban hormone blocking drugs and transgender surgeries for minors, ” said Ed Martin, Phyllis Schlafly Eagles president. “Governor Asa Hutchinson’s veto this week of the SAFE Act is very disappointing — a cowardly way out of a tough call. The legislature, however, didn’t choke at their chance to protect the children of Arkansas. Less than 24 hours after Gov. Hutchinson’s veto, both legislative houses overrode his veto in a strong rebuke of his decision to save face.
“It’s truly disgusting that anyone, let alone a supposed conservative, would allow this institutionalized child abuse to continue. It can be called nothing else, even with the consent of parents. Advocates will falsely say that allowing hormone blockers or elective surgery may help young people struggling with ‘gender identity’ to avoid depression or self-harm, but the data doesn’t back them up. Almost without exception, reinforcing gender dysphoria leads a child to more confusion, experimenting with toxic drugs, and eventually mutilating surgery. The Arkansas legislature is absolutely right to stop these horrible, predatory, and often irreversible acts against children.”
Martin concluded: “Governor Hutchinson at least admitted his motivation. ‘Image is always important for a Governor’ he said at the close of his Monday press statement. I am saddened for all Arkansans that their governor is so focused on his career at the expense of their children. They should, however, be proud of their bold legislature that is willing to do the right thing despite pressure from the raging leftists.”
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