Arkansas Legislature Passes Given Name Act, Protects Children and Empowers Parents

Press Releases · Apr 6, 2023

WASHINGTON — Heritage Action, a conservative grassroots organization with two million grassroots activists, including thousands of Arkansans, released a statement from Janae Stracke, Vice President of Field Operations, applauding the Arkansas Legislature for passing HB 1468, legislation which strengthens parental rights and protects children and staff in Arkansas.

“The Given Name Act is an important step for protecting children in Arkansas and ensuring that parents, not bureaucrats, are in charge of the decision making when it comes to the upbringing and education of their kids. Not only does the bill strengthen parental rights, but it also includes protections against compelled speech for teachers and staff who value the freedom of their conscience.

Parents and teachers alike should not be subject to the dictates of the Left’s radical gender ideology. HB 1468 will protect the deeply held beliefs of Arkansans and ensure transparency in an area of public education where it is desperately needed. Parents across the Natural State are grateful to Representative Wayne Long and Senator Mark Johnson for leading on this issue in the Arkansas Legislature. Arkansans applaud this legislative leadership and look forward to this legislation being signed into law.”