Republican Governor Asa Hutchinson announced Monday that he has sided with far-left activists and chosen to veto HB 1570, which would ban the use of puberty blockers, hormone replacement procedures, and gender transition surgery on young children.
“I 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,” Hutchinson said during a press conference. “I don’t 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 and I must veto House Bill 1570.”
Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R-AR) announces he has vetoed HB 1570, the bill that would restrict care for trans youth. pic.twitter.com/pcMY87stVu
— The Recount (@therecount) April 5, 2021
Arkansas has been the subject of an intense social media campaign by transgender activists to pressure Hutchinson into vetoing the bill.
Another Republican governor, Kristi Noem of South Dakota, recently vetoed a bill that would prevent biological male from competing in women’s sports:
Governor Kristi Noem of South Dakota followed through on her promise to block a bill that would have prevented biological males from competing in sports intended for females on Monday, insisting that her action is “not a veto” even though it functions identically to a veto.
“I have received your message that the House of Representatives failed to approve my recommendations as to changes of style and form of House Bill 1217,” Noem said in a letter to the South Dakota House of Representatives.
Noem cited a provision in the state’s Constitution that allows bills with “errors in style or form” to be returned to the State legislature, in a process that functions identically to a veto.
“Given the House action, I cannot certify that the bill conforms with my specific recommendations,” Noem wrote. “Therefore, my only option consistent with the constitution is the fail [sic] to certify the bill and return it you.”
