News/Commentary

‘Arkansas will not endorse nonsense’: Gov. Huckabee Sanders nixes woke option on driver’s licenses

March 14, 2024 | | Print Article

Gender-neutral driver’s licenses will no longer be allowed in Arkansas.

Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders (R) praised the move by state regulators, celebrating that The Natural State will not “endorse nonsense.”

Drivers can no longer use an “X” for their gender on licenses after the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration “announced it is rescinding an existing administrative practice that allows license holders to change their gender without any verifiable information, or to utilize an ‘X’ in lieu of gender.”

The revised policy is “intended to better safeguard the integrity of licenses and IDs,” according to the DFA press release which noted that the updates will take effect upon renewal for existing licenses.

“This policy is just common sense. Only women give birth, men shouldn’t play women’s sports, and there are only two genders,” Huckabee Sanders said in a statement.

“As long as I’m Governor, Arkansas state government will not endorse nonsense,” she added.

Soon after she took office, the governor targeted the “woke ” language in government documents, banning terms like “pregnant people” and “Latinx.”

“This change announced today reflects a commonsense approach that ensures a license or ID issued by the State of Arkansas is based on objective, verifiable information,” DFA Secretary Jim Hudson said in a statement.

“All of our stakeholders in law enforcement, other government agencies, caregivers, schools, and businesses depend on DFA-issued licenses and IDs to keep our communities safe and to prevent fraud. The discontinued policy is not supported by Arkansas law and was never subject to public comment and review by the Arkansas Legislative Council (ALC), as required by the Administrative Procedures Act,” he added.

Not surprisingly, the American Civil Liberties Union of Arkansas blasted the change.

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“Accurate and consistent identity documents are a fundamental necessity, enabling individuals to travel, secure employment, open bank accounts, and enroll in educational programs,” the group said in a statement. “For transgender people, in particular, an ID that accurately reflects their true self is not just a matter of dignity — it is crucial for their safety and well-being.”

“We strongly oppose the Governor and the Department of Finance and Administration’s (DFA) attempt to implement this regressive and damaging policy,” the statement said. “It is shameful that they have failed to consider the significant impact such measures will have on the lives of many Arkansans.”

The DFA submitted an emergency rule to the Arkansas Legislative Council’s executive subcommittee for review and noted that the “proposed rule specifies the process DFA will follow to validate a license or ID holder’s gender.”

“We are committed to implementing this new policy in a manner that is respectful towards all of our customers,” Hudson said.

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Frieda Powers
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