Attorney General Griffin secures Arkansas Supreme Court dismissal of driver's license gender identification lawsuit

LITTLE ROCK – Attorney General Tim Griffin today issued the following statement after the Arkansas Supreme Court entered an order in Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration v. Gallagher dismissing the lawsuit challenging the department’s emergency rule on driver’s license gender identification:

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“I am pleased that the Arkansas Supreme Court granted my motion to dismiss this lawsuit against the Department of Finance and Administration, which has brought its driver’s license gender identification rule into compliance with the law. The Department’s rule must comply with state law, therefore, today’s order is a win for the rule of law.

“I congratulate Solicitor General Nicholas Bronni and Deputy Solicitor General Dylan Jacobs on their successful efforts in this matter.”

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Arkansas Supreme Court reinstates gender-neutral ID ban

KUAR | By Josie Lenora

The Arkansas Supreme Court on Monday released a formal order in an ongoing legal battle over gender-neutral IDs.

For the past 14 years, Arkansans were allowed to put an “X” on their driver's license for their gender. This came after years of only allowing “M'' or “F.” License holders were also allowed to change their names.

In March, the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration got legislative approval to ban the practice. This was an emergency rule change that can only be used in cases of “imminent peril.”

Arkansas Supreme Court reinstates gender-neutral ID ban

The Arkansas Supreme Court has reversed a lower court ruling which blocked the state's ban on gender-neutral IDs.

Governor Hutchinson Announces Opposition To Proposed Rules Undermining Women’s Sports

In a news conference on Thursday afternoon, Governor Asa Hutchinson announced his opposition to proposed amendments to the regulations on implementing Title IX.

"The proposed rules would make it clear that sexual orientation and gender identity are both covered under the non-discrimination laws for our schools," Governor Hutchinson said. "This would interfere with Arkansas law, it would interfere with common sense, and it would interfere with local control."

Governor Hutchinson said the proposed changes would violate Arkansas law that prohibits biological males from competing in women's sports. He announced Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge has filed a response with other Attorneys General opposing the new rules.

Secretary Johnny Key and the Department of Education have also joined other states in presenting comments opposing these proposed rules.

"These proposed amendments of the Biden administration not only fly in the face of well-established law but in the face of reason and the intent of Congress," Governor Hutchinson said. "The state of Arkansas will not stand by idly while the federal government seeks to redefine the law to the detriment of women's sports and local decision making."