Arkansas: Parents sue supporters of trans young people!

Arkansas: Parents sue supporters of trans young people!

In the US state of Arkansas, a new law is discussed that gives parents the opportunity to sue people who support minors in a so-called "social transition". This means in particular teachers, therapists and even hairdressers who offer gender-non-conformity haircuts. The penalties for such complaints can range from $ 10,000 to $ 10 million and complain up to 15 years after an incident. The law, which was introduced by two Republican MPs, defines "social transition" as actions through which a minor assumes a gender identity that does not correspond to its biological gender, such as changes or wearing clothing that is typically assigned to a different sex. Even the simple address of a student with a different name could be seen as support, which can lead to legal consequences.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) from Arkansas sharply criticizes the law and describes it as "state -prescribed bullying". In addition, a spokesman for the Attorney General of Arkansa expressed concerns that some provisions of the law could possibly be unconstitutional. This new law is not the first attempt to restrict the rights of transgender people in Arkansas; A law of 2021, which banned medical treatments for trans youthful, was declared unconstitutional in 2023. In recent years, more than two dozen US states have issued similar laws that restrict the rights of trans people in various areas and put their security and well-being in danger.

legal situation in Arkansas

An additional light on the legal framework causes a judgment of a Federal Court in Arkansas, which has lifted a law that wanted to ban gender medical care for transgender young people. The court decided that this law violated the constitutional rights of the adolescents concerned as well as their parents and medical providers. The lawsuit, submitted by four families of transgender adolescents and two doctors, found that the ban violates the equality protection clause and other essential components of the US constitution. With this decision, the court has set an important sign for the protection of transgender people's rights-it is the first final judgment in the United States on such a law.

The decision followed a process of several weeks, which became clear that similar laws in other states, including Alabama and Florida, were also blocked by interim disposals. By 2023, the ACLU and its partners have contested seven new laws nationwide that could harm the rights of transgender people. In the meantime, the number of laws that aim at children and adolescents who question their gender identity.

cultural context

Current legislation is part of a broader political movement that increasingly targets transgender people. Drag shows and queer forms of life are the goal of conservative attacks, while the rights of transgender people are portrayed as part of a supposed "gender ideology". This representation is used by a right movement that attacks transgender people as scapegoats. Studies show that less than 2% of the population question their gender, and the visibility of this group is low compared to the general population.

The social and political challenges for transgender people have intensified under Trump policy, which has heated up agitation campaigns against transgender people. In conservative states in particular, there are over 350 legal projects directed against the rights of this group. Many of these initiatives ignore established medical standards and try to criminalize access to medical support for transgender children. In this context, the question of gender identity is increasingly politicized and manipulated, which leads to further isolation of this community.