Phoenix — Republican Democrat Critic Governor Katie Hobbs Recent executive orders have increased pressure on governors, including calling for their rescission.
In a letter to Hobbes, Republican House Speaker Ben Thoma last week called on governors to rescind an order barring state agencies from supporting “conversion therapy.”
This scientifically discredited practice aims to change a person’s sexual or gender identity.
And 12 of the 15 Arizona county attorneys, led by Maricopa County Republican prosecutor Rachel Mitchell, urged Mr. Hobbes to cancel Another executive order stripped local prosecutors of authority over abortion-related crimes.
A bipartisan group of county attorneys, including Democratic prosecutors in Coconino and Santa Cruz counties, gave Hobbs a Friday deadline.
Both Thomas and Mitchell have warned that lawsuits could be filed to block the order.
A spokesperson for Hobbes said that Thomas had misread the governor’s order and that the governor had no intention of revoking the abortion order.
Here’s what we know:
Toma: Order ‘potentially unconstitutional’
Thomas argues that only Congress has the power to ban conversion therapy.
“The recent executive order purporting to ‘protect youth from conversion therapy’ is very likely to violate the Constitution,” Thoma wrote.
“Other states have also enacted laws banning conversion therapy, but those states choose their policies through the legislative process.”
Thomas also warned that the order could violate the state’s “Parents’ Bill of Rights.”
He urged Hobbes to revoke the order to avoid “costly and unnecessary litigation.”
Not a statewide ban
Hobbs public relations director Christian Slater told the Arizona Capitol Times that the governor’s order does not impose a statewide ban on conversion therapy, as Thoma suggests.
Slater conceded that a statewide ban would have to pass through Congress.
Mr. Hobbes’ order “just prohibits the state from promoting or supporting conversion therapy,” he said.
Prohibits Use of State and Federal Funds
Order issued on June 27prohibits Arizona government agencies from using state or federal funds to facilitate conversion therapy for minors, including state insurance reimbursement for treatment.
American Psychological Association and American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry It says conversion therapy is not based on science and can be harmful.
of The Biden Administration Has Taken Similar Steps Limits the use of federal funds for conversion therapy for minors.
what happened in the capitol
In recent years, the Republican-controlled Congress has debated bills to protect and limit conversion therapy.
None of the bills made it to the governor’s desk.
Former Mesa Democratic state senator Sean Bowie has tried to ban conversion therapy for minors for the fifth straight year through 2022.
Two years ago, the bill introduced by former Republican State Senator Vince Leach (Saddlebrook) would have been overturned. Pima County Ordinance Prohibits the use of paid conversion therapy for minors.
A similar law would also have been prohibited by the Leach Bill.
up to speed
Check out the latest news and stories on our 12News YouTube channel. Subscribe now.
