Arizona Governor, Katie Hobbs (D), made a significant move towards strengthening protections for LGBTQ individuals in the state with the signing of two executive orders. One order prohibits state support for “conversion therapy,” a discredited practice that aims to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. Major medical organizations have condemned this practice as harmful and unscientific. The other order ensures that gender-affirming health care, including surgery, is covered under the insurance plans of transgender state employees.
Arizona joins a growing number of states that have implemented partial bans on conversion therapy for LGBTQ minors. According to the Movement Advancement Project, 21 states and Washington, D.C., have passed total bans. By expanding access to gender-affirming health care, Governor Hobbs addresses the 2017 ban on such coverage in Arizona. This ban was challenged in a 2019 class-action lawsuit filed by Russell Toomey, a transgender professor at the University of Arizona. Toomey expressed relief and hope for the future in response to Governor Hobbs’ executive order.
Notably, Arizona became the second state to restrict transgender minors’ access to gender-affirming health care in 2022. However, unlike similar bans, Arizona’s law only applies to surgical procedures, while hormone therapy and puberty blockers are still legal for transgender youths.
Governor Hobbs previously issued an executive order that provides protections for legal gender-affirming care in Arizona. In her recent order, she also barred state agencies from cooperating with civil and criminal cases in states where gender-affirming health care is illegal.
Governor Hobbs shared in a tweet that Arizona is setting an example for LGBTQ rights and will continue working towards equality and non-discrimination in the state’s economy and workforce.
Overall, Governor Hobbs’ executive orders reflect Arizona’s commitment to ensuring the well-being and rights of the LGBTQ community.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
