Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey signs bills blocking trans athletes and abortion

Arizona’s governor on Wednesday signed legislation banning abortions after 15 weeks, barring transgender girls from playing on women’s sports teams and banning gender confirmation surgeries for those under 18.

Gov. Doug Ducey, a Republican, signed the controversial trio of bills into law, despite opposition from activists and as the Supreme Court considers a Mississippi abortion law many believe Roe v. Wade could ultimately undo.

A dozen other states have restricted trans women’s participation in women’s sports, while Arizona is the third state to block surgeries.

“This legislation is sensible and narrowly focused on addressing both of these specific issues – while ensuring that transgender people continue to experience the same dignity, respect and kindness as everyone in our society,” Ducey claimed in a letter , in which he declared his support for the law.

Of the surgery ban, he said, “This is a decision that will dramatically affect the rest of a person’s life, including that person’s ability to become a biological parent later in life.”

The civil rights group Human Rights Campaign condemned Ducey for signing the bills.

“Reg. Ducey has chosen discrimination over protecting the welfare of vulnerable children,” Cathryn Oakley, the state legislative director and senior counsel, said in a statement. “That’s not leadership, that’s cowardice.”

The abortion law prohibits all abortions after 15 weeks except in “medical emergencies.” If a doctor performs an abortion after 15 weeks, he faces criminal charges for a crime and his license to practice medicine will be revoked. Women who have an abortion are not charged.

The bill is similar to Mississippi’s abortion law, which is currently under review by the country’s highest court. Ducey has previously expressed support for the Supreme Court, Roe v. to fall Wade.

Ducey said in his signing letter that he believes “it is the responsibility of every state” to protect the unborn child.

“In Arizona, we know that every life has immeasurable value — including unborn life,” he said.

Abortion rights groups slammed the bill, while Arizona Secretary of State Katie Hobbs went to twitter calling the film a “major step backwards for reproductive freedom and women’s equality” in the state and nationwide.

“Reg. Ducey’s signing of the extreme and misogynist ban on abortion highlights the very real and dangerous consequences of electing leaders who are willing to give up our rights,” said Hobbs, a Democrat running to replace Ducey, who is scheduled to be temporarily fired from the office.

With postal wires