Arizona Governor signs two executive orders: one covering sex change procedures and another banning support for ‘conversion therapy’.

Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs Signs Executive Orders to Support LGBTQ+ Rights

Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs signed two executive orders on Tuesday, taking significant steps to promote inclusivity and protect the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals in the state.

Executive Order 2023-12:

The first executive order mandates that health insurance provided to state employees must cover sex change surgeries. This reverses a previous policy implemented in 2017, which had banned coverage for these procedures. The new policy ensures that state employees have access to the necessary medical care they require.

Executive Order 2023-13:

The second executive order prohibits the use of state funds for “conversion therapy” aimed at minors. This includes any practice or treatment that seeks to change an individual’s non-heteronormative sexual orientation or non-cisgender identity. The order emphasizes the importance of protecting young people from harmful practices and recognizes the increased risk of suicide associated with attempts to alter their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Governor Hobbs made the announcement at a news conference alongside One-n-ten, an organization dedicated to serving LGBTQ+ youth. One-n-ten offers various programs and resources for LGBTQ+ youth, including overnight camps and support against “conversion therapy” promoted by religious leaders.

Leading by Example

During the news conference, Governor Hobbs expressed her commitment to ending discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals in Arizona. She stated, “Together, these executive orders bring an end to unjust discrimination against LGBTQ+ Arizonans. The state is leading by example on this issue, and we will continue working until Arizona is a place where every individual can participate equally in our economy and our workforce without fear of discrimination or exclusion. This is the only way to move our state forward.”

The executive orders also reference the Supreme Court’s landmark decision in Bostock v. Clayton County, which affirmed that the Civil Rights Act protects individuals from discrimination based on their transgender identity.

Furthermore, the executive action restricts Arizona’s cooperation with states that prohibit sex change procedures, including sharing information in criminal investigations and extraditing individuals charged with prescribing sex-denying treatment to minors.

While Arizona became the second state to ban sex change surgeries for minors in 2022, the use of hormones and puberty blockers for this purpose remains legal.

It is important to note that these executive orders do not infringe upon gender-affirming care, ensuring that individuals can access the necessary medical support they need.

However, critics argue that bans on “conversion therapy” can impede free speech and target religious therapists and parents who hold conservative values.

As the fight for LGBTQ+ rights continues, Governor Hobbs’ executive orders represent a significant step forward in creating a more inclusive and accepting Arizona.

Sources:

• The Hill
• AZ Central
• One-n-ten
• Executive Order 2023-12
• Executive Order 2023-13
• The Daily Wire
• National Review