Today, Governor Doug Ducey signed SB1165 and SB1138 into law. Both these bills are solutions looking for a problem. Like other leaders around the country, the Governor has forgotten that he has a duty to govern for all Arizonans. These draconian laws will harm transgender children, adults, and their families. These draconian laws will harm the reputation of Arizona - we cannot be a state where everyone is welcome and valued if our elected leaders allow discrimination to be the law of the land. You can't be pro-business and pro-discrimination.
Equality Arizona and ONE Community, along with the business community, the LGBTQ+ community, the faith community, and all Arizonans who believe in the dignity of all human beings no matter who you are or who you love, are united in our resolve to not only challenge and repeal these bills, but also to win full equality and fairness for LGBTQ+ Arizonans.
To the trans youth of Arizona, to trans adults, to the families and loved ones of trans youth and adults. Your life is valuable beyond measure. We see you, we love you, and we work daily to create a more just Arizona on your behalf. Today is a setback, but it is not the end. Fear and malice can set us back in terms of policy and laws, but they can never stop the change that is already so clear in Arizona and our nation. Trans people are everywhere, and we will continue to make the world see us, hear us, and we will cede no ground on our humanity.