If the alleged Act on the Protection of susceptible Youth (Vulnerable Youth Protection Act) will be accepted, anyone who causes or contributes to the "social transit of a minor" may be brought to justice.
According to the project, "transition" is defined as any action "through which minors adopts or approves a sex identity that differs from its biological gender” — for example, in terms of dress, pronouns, hairstyle, or name.
Thus, not only are the hairdressers legally vulnerable, but besides the store owner who sold a 16-year-old bra or teacher to his transgender student named after the boy she chose. Even in the very conservative state of Arkansas, where Republicans have 80 percent seats in the home of RepresentativesThe legislative initiative is controversial.
The task was submitted by Mary Bentley, a Christian, declared anti-abortion activist and owner of a company producing plastic tableware. Its purpose: no 1 should have the right to convince children that they were "born in the incorrect body," as Bentley said. According to her, only a intellectual wellness therapist can aid young people who are “sex oriented”.
Evelyn Rios Stafford, so far the only transsexual in public office in Arkansas, sees it differently. During her first reading, she ripped the task apart. In her opinion, the law would let for "a wave of unfounded lawsuits in the most absurd situations". According to Stafford Even complimenting a teenage transgender haircut could be considered a crime.
In her opinion, the law "teachs transgender children that they do not have constitutionally guaranteed rights to decide their own body".
Legal experts besides expressed doubts. According to the Republican lawyer General in Arkansas, Tim Griffin, the draft violates the right to free speech guaranteed by the Constitution — and he doubts that he can defend her from a national court. Result: Bentley initially withdrew the task to add amendments to it.
However, the last word has not yet been spoken. Bentley is known for her tenacity. In 2023, contrary to the immense opposition, she pushed through a bill that allows lawsuits for malpractice against doctors offering sex change treatments.
