Greetings GLSENeer,
This has been a historic week in Arizona as we have witnessed a 160-year old territorial law now deemed enforceable when it comes to accessing healthcare in 2024. How is this possible? An 1864 territorial law that was on the books before Arizona was a state in 1912, or before (white) women were given the right to vote in 1920 or even before commonplace medical breakthroughs like penicillin was discovered in 1928 or the birth control pill in 1960. The bottom line is it's about bodily autonomy.
In this week’s Policy Postcard we further discuss SB 1628 and share a round up of local and national news.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
POLITICIANS HAVE NO BUSINESS DECIDING WHICH TREATMENTS SHOULD BE AVAILABLE TO WHICH PATIENTS.
We see time and again, the Legislature seeks to restrict treatments based on patients’ age or zip code, as many rural folks are limited in their healthcare options. This time it's abortion; next time it could be gender affirming care. The bottom line is it's about bodily autonomy. Decisions about what healthcare treatments are best, rest with the patient and their healthcare provider, not politicians.
There’s no action we can take right now on abortion, however, we can act in favor or bodily autonomy by asking the Governor to VETO SB 1628. Last week we alerted you to the progress of SB 1628, the LGBTQ+ Erasure bill, arriving on the Governor’s desk on Wednesday. The Governor has until Tuesday, April 16, to take action. Bodily autonomy and the freedom to make decisions that will be respected is an LGBTQ+ issue, reflected in the controlling and anti-freedom bills this legislature is trying to make into law. Luckily, we have a Governor who is willing to fight back! Contact the Governor and ask her to VETO SB 1628.
HOW CAN YOU GET INVOLVED?
CALL! THE! GOVERNOR!
Ask her to veto SB 1628 and say no to the erasure of LGBTQ+ people in Arizona. Veto SB 1628. Take action now and call Gov. Hobbs at (602) 542-4331 because bills like SB 1628 seemingly increase government intervention in the everyday lives of LGBTQ+ Arizonans, including youth.
Leave a message for the Governor about vetoing SB 1628!
Get your friends to call today (602) 542-4331 and get them to ask her to veto SB 1628!
WHAT’S NEXT?
Given the narrow one-vote anti-LGBTQ+ majority, many of the bills we have highlighted are expected to pass once brought for a vote and sent to Governor Hobbs. Stay tuned and watch for our veto ask of her in the coming weeks!
BILL TRACKER
Our 2024 Arizona Legislative Session Bill Tracker which kept up to date by our advocacy partner working group.
REGISTER TO VOTE
YOUR VOTE IS ESSENTIAL!
Voting is the most crucial way by which you are able to participate in our democracy!
IMPORTANT DATES:
Register to vote. Deadline for the 2024 Primary Election is Jul 1, 2024
IN THE NEWS
As online school enrollment declines, Valley schools start downsizing, shuttering online programs. Read More.
LGBTQ content drove book banning efforts in 2023. Read More.
Arizona Supreme Court rules state must adhere to century-old law banning nearly all abortions. Read More.
What to know about Arizona’s 1864 abortion law. Read More.