Federal Judge in Little Rock Strikes Down Law Protecting Children From Sex-Reassignment Procedures

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, June 20, 2023

Little Rock, Ark. – On Tuesday, U.S. District Judge James Moody blocked the State of Arkansas from enforcing the Save Adolescents From Experimentation (SAFE) Act. The SAFE Act is a state law the Arkansas Legislature overwhelmingly passed in 2021. It protects children in Arkansas from sex-reassignment surgeries, puberty blockers, and cross-sex hormones.

Family Council President Jerry Cox released a statement saying, “This is a very bad ruling. Children should not be subjected to sex-reassignment procedures. These surgeries and procedures can leave children sterilized and scarred for life. Researchers do not know the long term effects puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones can have on kids. That is why many experts agree that subjecting children to sex-change procedures is experimental, at best. Today’s decision fails to protect the children of Arkansas.”

Cox noted that the SAFE Act received strong support when the Arkansas Legislature passed it in 2021. “The SAFE Act is commonsense legislation that protects children. It received overwhelming support from the Arkansas Legislature, and polls show the people of Arkansas support the law as well. Arkansans understand this is a good law. Our courts should too.”

Cox said he believes Judge Moody’s decision will be overturned once the case is appealed. “We’ve said all along that this case ultimately would be determined by the higher courts. Arkansas’ SAFE Act is a good law that protects children. We believe higher courts will recognize that fact and uphold this good law as the case is appealed.”

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