Arkansas is first state to ban gender-affirming treatments for trans youth

Lawmakers overrode the governor's veto despite criticism that the measure would harm an already vulnerable community

Arkansas has become the first state to ban gender-affirming treatments and surgery for transgender youth, after lawmakers overrode the governor's objections to enact the ban on Tuesday.

The state's governor, Asa Hutchinson, had vetoed the bill on Monday following pleas from pediatricians, social workers and the parents of trans youth who said the measure would harm a community already at risk for depression and suicide. The ban was opposed by several medical and child welfare groups, including the American Academy of Pediatrics.