Uphold Veto on AZ HB2438: Protect Transgender Rights and Privacy

I am writing to express my strong support for upholding the veto on Arizona House Bill 2438 from the 2025 legislative session. This bill, which sought to amend Section 36-337 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, would have imposed restrictive and harmful policies regarding sex designations on birth certificates. HB2438 proposed that birth certificates could only have their sex designation changed following a "sex change operation" and a court order. This approach is deeply problematic and out of step with current medical and legal understandings of gender identity. It fails to recognize that gender-affirming care encompasses a wide range of treatments, not just surgical interventions. Moreover, it infringes on the privacy and autonomy of transgender individuals by requiring invasive medical procedures and legal processes to obtain documentation that accurately reflects their identity. The bill's journey through the Fifty-seventh Legislature's 1st Regular session, including various committee actions and votes in both the House and Senate, demonstrates that it was a contentious piece of legislation. Ultimately, the Governor's veto on May 2, 2025, was a crucial step in protecting the rights and dignity of transgender Arizonans. I urge you to stand firm in support of the Governor's decision and resist any attempts to override this veto. Upholding the veto will send a clear message that Arizona respects the rights of all its citizens, including transgender individuals, to have identity documents that accurately reflect who they are without undue burden or invasion of privacy. The policies proposed in HB2438 would have far-reaching negative consequences for transgender Arizonans, potentially impacting their access to education, employment, and other essential services. By maintaining the veto, you will be protecting some of our most vulnerable citizens from discrimination and hardship. Thank you for your attention to this critical issue. I trust that you will prioritize the well-being and rights of all Arizonans by continuing to oppose HB2438 and any similar legislation that may arise in the future.