A bill that would criminalize transgender people using restrooms that match their gender identity has won initial approval in the Arkansas Legislature
in statehouses. So far this year, at least 155 bills targeting trans people's rights have been introduced, according to the Human Rights Campaign.
But Sen. Joshua Bryant, the only Republican who voted against the bill, said the measure would allow someone to be prosecuted regardless of their intent. He compared it to charging someone with armed robbery if they took a concealed handgun into a building where it's not allowed. The proposal narrowly won approval in the 35-member Senate, with several Republican lawmakers not voting on the measure another GOP senator voting “present” — which has the same effect as voting no.
There are some exemptions in the bill approved by the Senate on Tuesday, including for parents and guardians accompanying children under the age of 7.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Arizona Senate OKs asking voters to strip cities of home ruleThey did so only after the measure's sponsor, Tucson Republican Sen. Justine Wadsack, promised to have it narrowed — though it isn't yet — to affect only Tucson and Phoenix for now.
Read more »
Loved ones, community members continue search for missing Arkansas teen Tanvi MarupallyCONWAY, Ark. — It's been more than 45 days since 14-year-old Tanvi Marupally went missing near the bus pickup area at her school in Conway, Arkansas, and there are still no publicly known leads as to where she went.
Read more »
Ecuador judge OKs bribery charges against ex-president over Chinese dam contractAn Ecuadorian judge approved on Sunday prosecutors' request to charge former President Lenin Moreno with bribery over a contract for a Chinese-built hydroelectric plant in the South American nation.
Read more »
Sarah Huckabee Sanders to consider relaxing Arkansas child labor lawsSanders previously indicated that she would sign a bill seeking to remove the need for those under 16 to get a work permit as a condition of employment.
Read more »
Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders wants to take down Big Tech nextArkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders told The Post she wants to take on Big Tech, phase out state taxes and “flip” the system “on its head.”
Read more »
Tyson workers in Arkansas sue over lack of COVID protections in 2020Thirty-four Tyson Foods employees, former employees and family members filed a lawsuit against the company Monday, saying it failed to take appropriate...
Read more »