Articles and Videos – Page 51

British MP Acknowledges Truth of the Cass Review: Guest Column

May 6, 2024John StonestreetLGBTLGBT, SAFE Act, Transgender

The Cass Review, “the most extensive and thorough … evidence-based review of treatment for children experiencing gender distress ever undertaken,” landed like a bombshell in the U.K. The report’s main conclusion is that science is not settled about “gender-affirming” treatments of minors. In fact, Dr. Cass concluded that “for most young people, a medical pathway will not be the best way to manage their gender-related distress.”

As expected, the reaction from LGBTQ advocates was swift and shrill, attempting to discredit The Cass Review. For example, British MP Dawn Butler claimed that Dr. Cass left out 100 studies from the report. It turns out she simply repeated a social media post of a pro-LGBTQ organization without fact-checking the claim or reading the report.

After being corrected by Dr. Cass and others, Butler admitted her mistake and apologized for “inadvertently [misleading]” the House. Good for her. She’s given us an example of the power of truth to change hearts and minds.

ACLU Sues Arkansas For Requiring Driver’s License to List “Male” or “Female”

May 3, 2024Jerry CoxLGBTLGBT, Transgender

The ACLU is suing the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration over changes to driver’s licenses.

This lawsuit challenges the department’s recent decision that state-issued driver’s licenses and photo IDs would list “male” or “female” as stated on the ID-holder’s birth certificate.

The revised policy prevents ID-holders from changing the gender on their ID without documentation. It also eliminates the option of listing an “X” in place of “male” or “female.” This will better safeguard the integrity of driver’s licenses and other photo IDs the State of Arkansas issues. The ACLU argues the state made the change abruptly without following the normal rulemaking process.

Arkansas law makes it possible to change a birth certificate — including the sex listed on a birth certificate, if the person’s name legally has been changed and the person has undergone a surgical sex-change procedure. Practically speaking, the driver’s license policy just ensures people follow the process outlined in state law if they want to change the gender listed on a driver’s license.

Articles appearing on this website are written with the aid of Family Council’s researchers and writers.

What’s in the 2024 Arkansas Marijuana Amendment?

May 2, 2024Jerry Cox1 CommentMarijuanaMarijuana, Marijuana Amendment

This article is part of an ongoing series tracking the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Amendment of 2024 and examining its possible effects on state law.

An organization in Arkansas is spending hundreds of thousands of dollars to put marijuana on the ballot this year.

If passed, the 2024 marijuana amendment would drastically expand Arkansas’ marijuana laws.

Below are a few examples of changes the amendment would make to marijuana in Arkansas.

Free Marijuana Cards at Taxpayer Expense

Currently, marijuana users pay $50 for a medical marijuana card. This money helps facilitate the marijuana program.

Section 3 of the amendment would eliminate that $50 fee.

The amendment also gives free marijuana cards to immigrants and out-of-state residents who come to Arkansas to use marijuana.

Free marijuana cards likely means taxpayers will bear more financial responsibility for marijuana in Arkansas.

Enabling Recreational Marijuana

Section 3 of the amendment lets people use “medical” marijuana without suffering from one of the specific medical conditions — like cancer or glaucoma — currently listed in state law.

Letting people use marijuana without suffering from a specific medical condition listed in state law arguably would enable recreational marijuana in Arkansas.

A Monopoly for Marijuana Growers and Sellers

Sections 3 and 5 of the amendment would help guarantee marijuana growers and sellers a monopoly over the marijuana industry in Arkansas.

Repealing Restrictions on Marijuana Advertising

Section 3 of the amendment repeals restrictions on marijuana advertising.

Over the years, the State of Arkansas has enacted restrictions to help ensure marijuana advertising doesn’t target children and that advertisements don’t use a cross or other symbols commonly associated with the practice of medicine.

In 2019 the Gov. Hutchinson signed a law requiring marijuana advertisements to include disclaimers about the dangers of marijuana.

The proposed amendment would repeal and replace these restrictions.

You Can Download a Copy of the Marijuana Amendment Here.