LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Arkansas’ Republican governor has signed a law banning transgender women and girls from competing in school sports teams consistent with their gender identity.
Gov. Asa Hutchinson announced the move Thursday afternoon. It makes Arkansas the second state so far this year to enact such a restriction.
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The bans have faced objections from medical and child-welfare groups that say it would have devastating impacts on transgender youth. Hutchinson said he believes the new law will help promote and maintain fairness in women’s sports.
Republicans in at least 20 state legislatures including Tennessee and Missisippi have been pushing for similar bans this year.