Governor Ducey Signs Common Sense Legislation To Maintain Fairness In School Athletics, Protect Children and Affirm Life

Governor Doug Ducey today signed legislation to maintain fairness in public school athletics, protect underage children from irreversible surgeries and affirm Arizona’s commitment to protecting the lives of preborn children. 

“Today I signed S.B. 1138 and S.B. 1165, legislation to protect participation and fairness for female athletes, and to ensure that individuals undergoing irreversible gender reassignment surgery are of adult age. This legislation is common-sense and narrowly-targeted to address these two specific issues ⁠— while ensuring that transgender individuals continue to receive the same dignity, respect and kindness as  every individual in our society,” Governor Ducey said in a letter explaining his support for today’s legislation. 

Senate Bill 1138, sponsored by Sen. Warren Petersen, delays irreversible gender reassignment surgery until the age of 18. The bill does not prohibit puberty blocking hormones or any other hormone therapy and will not require any child to go off any prescriptions they may be taking.