Gov. Asa Hutchinson of Arkansas vetoed a bill on Monday that would make it illegal for transgender minors to receive gender-affirming medication or surgery \u2014 a rare Republican rejection of the growing conservative effort to restrict transgender people\u2019s health care and participation in society.<\/p>\n
The Arkansas State Legislature could override Mr. Hutchinson\u2019s veto of the bill, known as H.B. 1570. Republicans hold large majorities in both chambers and passed the bill last month with mostly party-line votes: 70-22 in the House and 28-7 in the Senate.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was told this week that the nation is looking at Arkansas because I have on my desk another bill passed by the General Assembly that is a product of the cultural war in America,\u201d Mr. Hutchinson said in announcing his veto. \u201cI don\u2019t shy away from the battle when it is necessary and defensible, but the most recent action of the General Assembly, while well intended, is off course.\u201d<\/p>\n
Chase Strangio, a lawyer at the American Civil Liberties Union who has fought anti-trans legislation in Arkansas and other states, said that while he and other advocates needed to be \u201ctentative in our celebration\u201d because of the possibility of an override, Mr. Hutchinson\u2019s veto was significant both practically and symbolically.<\/p>\n
\u201cFirst and foremost, it\u2019s such an important rebuke of this sweeping range of legislation targeting trans youth across the country,\u201d Mr. Strangio said. Referring to two states that are considering similar bills, he added: \u201cI hope Alabama\u2019s watching. I hope Tennessee\u2019s watching.\u201d<\/p>\n
The lead sponsors of the bill \u2014 State Representative Robin Lundstrum and State Senator Alan Clark, both Republicans \u2014 did not immediately respond to a request for comment.<\/p>\n
Republican legislators in numerous states have introduced bills that would restrict transgender rights. In addition to legislation focused on health care, conservatives are pushing bills that would ban transgender women and girls from participating in women\u2019s sports at school.<\/p>\n