Attorney General Kris Mayes is pushing to soften policy on blood donations from sexually active, gay men. Mayes joined 22 other states, led by California Attorney General Rob Bonta, in supporting the policy change proposed by the Biden administration, which would reject potential donors who had sex with a new partner or more than one partner within the prior three months.
Current policy prohibits gay or bisexual men from donating blood if they’ve been sexually active within the prior three months. In a press release, Mayes called this protective measure “outdated.”
“Discriminatory blood donation policies not only stigmatize the LGBTQ community, and gay and bisexual men in particular, but also endanger the lives of patients in need,” said Mayes. “It’s long past time to abandon outdated practices and embrace a risk-based approach that allows all eligible donors to contribute to the blood supply. If implemented, the new guidance proposed by the Biden administration will undoubtedly save lives.”
Attorney General Kris Mayes today joined a 22-state coalition in support of the Biden Administration's new proposed policy that would make it easier for the LGBTQ population to donate blood and plasma.
— Arizona Attorney General's Office (@arizonaago) March 31, 2023
Initially, the proposed policy change concerned offsetting the donor blood shortage resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The FDA indefinitely rejected blood donations from sexually active gay or bisexual men beginning in the 1980s with the AIDS outbreak, prohibiting any man who’d engaged in sodomy even once. It wasn’t until 2015 that the FDA softened this policy to allow blood donations from sexually active gay or bisexual men, so long as that donor claimed to not have been sexually active within the prior 12 months.
The FDA again revised its guidance to reduce the 12-month waiting period to three months.
In their letter to the Biden administration, Mayes and the 22 states argued that modern donor blood testing can find the presence of HIV within anywhere from 10 days to three months of transmission. They cited other countries with similar nondiscriminatory donation policies.
Several of the countries listed, including Italy and Mexico, have noted a higher-than-desirable prevalence of HIV-positive donors over the years, as well as concerns that screening policies don’t reach far enough.
The attorneys general also noted that men who claim to be in a monogamous, homosexual relationship suffered the greatest burden under current policy. Based on current data, monogamy is less commonly practiced by gay or bisexual men.
HIV and AIDS aren’t the only sexually-transmitted diseases (STDs) that primarily result from sodomy. Last year, a global monkeypox outbreak occurred after an infected British man engaged in sexual activity while attending two raves in Belgium and Spain. The man caught monkeypox in Africa, where the disease is mainly endemic in animals.
The other states joining Arizona in supporting the Biden administration’s proposed policy change include California, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawai’i, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin.
Corinne Murdock is a reporter for AZ Free News. Follow her latest on Twitter, or email tips to corinne@azfreenews.com.
The Arizona Democratic Party (ADP) Vice Chair, Brianna Westbrook, signaled support for gun violence following the Nashville, Tennessee school shooting last Monday.
Westbrook indicated support in a call for violence against “transphobes” on Monday following the Nashville, Tennessee school shooting. Westbrook liked a tweet from Gov. Katie Hobbs’ now-resigned press secretary Josselyn Berry.
Berry had tweeted a GIF of a woman walking forward with two guns raised with the caption, “Us when we see transphobes.”
#BREAKING@BWestbrookAZ8 liked the tweet from Katie Hobbs’ press secretary threatening to kill “transphobes.”
Brianna is the vice chair for the @azdemparty and is running for state house in #LD5.
This wasn’t the first incitement to violence from Westbrook. Following the summer of Black Lives Matter (BLM) riots, Westbrook concurred with fellow activist — Planned Parenthood Advocates of Arizona board member Chris Love — that blue alerts shouldn’t exist. Blue alerts are issued when a suspect poses an imminent or credible threat to law enforcement, or an officer is missing.
Westbrook’s response to the Nashville school shooting isn’t unique among trans activists. In the aftermath of the tragedy, other transgender activists have issued public responses ranging from apathy to celebration. Three children and three faculty were killed by the shooter, a woman who sometimes identified as a transgender man.
Twitter user Thomas Mix wrote that he hopes it was Republicans who were killed at the Christian school shooting in #Nashville. Three of the murdered were young children. pic.twitter.com/eRXWiTseo9
Other transgender activists have appeared to call for more bloodshed.
After the mass shooting at the Nashville Christian school by a #trans assailant, leftist trans porn model "Tiffany Starr" appears to call for more terrorist attacks. She uses the hashtag "TransTerrorism" along with an image of a game character showing off an arsenal of deadly… pic.twitter.com/AZsuna8qXc
Radical #trans activist group, the Trans Resistance Network, has released a statement mourning the death of the #Nashville Christian school mass shooter. The statement says there were two tragedies, the murder of the children & school staff, & also that… pic.twitter.com/XkbEeqfb7j
The shooting occurred days before a planned “Trans Day of Vengeance,” scheduled to occur on April Fool’s Day. The event was planned by the Trans Radical Activist Network (TRAN); a day after the shooting, the group issued a statement that it would continue the event as planned. However, the group canceled the event on Friday, citing a “credible threat” of violence.
The organization, who subsequently made their Twitter account private following backlash on the event and their remarks, indicated that the shooter, 28-year-old Audrey Hale, was a victim as well. TRAN erroneously referred to Hale as “Aubrey.”
“Hate has consequences,” wrote TRAN.
The 'Trans Resistance Network' has released a statement that Audrey Hale is the real victim in the Christian school shooting pic.twitter.com/qNrsTpiM8B
Twitter users who shared images of the poster, even with the attempt to raise awareness or issue a warning, had their accounts suspended. This included the accounts of Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene and Daily Wire host Michael Knowles, who quoted the Bible in response to the threats of violence.
This is a lie.
My Congressional account was suspended for 7 days for exposing Antifa, who are organizing a call for violence called “Trans Day of Vengeance.”
The day after the mass murder of children by a trans shooter.
There’s a Trans Day of Vengeance planned for April 1st, and members of congress are screaming in the halls about the 2nd Amendment. You don’t want to miss this. Tune in right now: https://t.co/kTKLsNdJlQpic.twitter.com/VlEwJF4PZI
Secretary of State Adrian Fontes attempted to build up his fundraising campaign email list by dissing gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake and her “MAGA fascist” supporters.
In an email last month, the secretary asked for his supporters to not only pressure the Arizona Supreme Court to reject Lake’s lawsuit, but to impose punishments on her and her supporters.
“We need you to make your voice heard and tell the Arizona Supreme Court that MAGA fascists must be held accountable for their election denying lies,” stated Fontes. “We’re demanding that Lake’s last lawsuit be dismissed and her legal team sanctioned for wasting the resources of the Arizona legal system.”
The body of the email is reproduced below in full:
Kari Lake just doesn’t know when to quit. We’ve already seen her attempts to overturn the 2022 election fall flat, but now Kari Lake is approaching her last legal option. She’s appealed her election case to the Arizona Supreme Court, and if they refuse her appeal, she’ll have no legal recourse left.
Even though the facts and case precedent are on our side, we can’t leave our democracy to chance. We need you to make your voice heard and tell the Arizona Supreme Court that MAGA fascists must be held accountable for their election denying lies.
We’re demanding that Lake’s last lawsuit be dismissed and her legal team sanctioned for wasting the resources of the Arizona legal system. Our democracy has stood strong, and with Lake’s last defeat on the horizon, we can finally shut the door on the 2022 election and look forward to Arizona’s future.
Can we count on you to sign our petition urging the Supreme Court to dismiss and sanction Lake for her frivolous election lawsuits? A strong rejection of these election lies is essential for the health of Arizona’s democracy. Stand with us and make your voice heard by signing the petition today.
I know I'll get called out again, but this is not a good look for our Sec. of State to be doing this! I am opposed to the continual Kari Lake Poo Flinging Contest in the Courts, but this is not right. pic.twitter.com/MEUCV6OfCB
Critics of the call to action were quick to point out that the only way to “petition” the court would have been to file an amicus brief ahead of last week’s deadline.
Not smart.
And, as an attorney, he knows that the only appropriate way for his supporters to "petition" the court would have been to file an amici by last week's deadline. (They even could've received an extension😉.) –PW
The referenced case, Lake v. Hobbs, is pending a ruling from the Arizona Supreme Court. Lake asked the court to expedite the hearing in January, ahead of Hobbs’ swearing in, but the court rejected her request. Lake asked the court, again, to expedite the hearing earlier this month; the court accepted. The Arizona Supreme Court granted review of the case late last month on one of the seven issues, concerning Maricopa County’s signature verification process.
In his most recent response opposing Lake’s lawsuit, Fontes asked the court for Lake to be punished.
“This [lawsuit] justifies the imposition of sanctions, or some kind of admonishment, so others will not follow suit,” stated the response. “If this Court sits silent in the face of what has occurred, then those who would due [sic] our union harm will continue to malign and erode the foundations upon which our great state stands.”
Fontes has persisted in issuing jabs against Lake and her supporters amid the ongoing lawsuit. Earlier this month in an interview with MSNBC, several days after the Arizona Supreme Court accepted Lake’s motion to expedite review, the secretary pretended to not know Lake.
“Who are you talking about? I don’t know of anybody of relevance in Arizona named Kari Lake,” asked Fontes.
Corinne Murdock is a reporter for AZ Free News. Follow her latest on Twitter, or email tips to corinne@azfreenews.com.
As more bills make their way to Democrat Governor Katie Hobbs’ office, the rate of usage for her veto stamp has accelerated.
On Monday, Governor Hobbs vetoed four pieces of legislation that were recently transmitted from the Legislature to her office, giving her a total of 24 vetoes for this session.
The bills that Hobbs vetoed were HB 2427 (sponsored by Representative Matt Gress), HB 2440 (sponsored by Representative Gail Griffin), HB 2472 (sponsored by Representative Steve Montenegro), and HB 2056 (sponsored by Representative Lupe Diaz).
HB 2427 would have classified, “as aggravated assault punishable as a class 3 felony, assault against a pregnant victim if the person knows or has reason to know the victim is pregnant and circumstances exist that classify the offense as domestic violence.” In her veto letter, Hobbs pointed to “Arizona’s leading advocacy organization for victims of domestic violence” saying that the bill “will do nothing to deter domestic violence offenses or support pregnant victims.”
This bill garnered the most outrage out of the four Hobbs vetoed Monday. Bill sponsor, Matt Gress, responded on Twitter, saying, “Regarding HB 2427, I’ll never apologize for toughening penalties on abusers who assault pregnant women.”
Regarding #HB2427, I’ll never apologize for toughening penalties on abusers who assault pregnant women.
I also agree with Governor Hobbs that we should increase assistance to victims. That’s why I introduced #HB2805 that would provide an additional $5M for crime victims. https://t.co/iD7oguW9ut
— Arizona Freedom Caucus (@AZFreedomCaucus) April 4, 2023
However, as expected, Legislative Democrats cheered the governor’s veto of this bill immediately following the announcement from her office. Senator Anna Hernandez said, “This veto was crucial for protecting Arizonans from an underhanded attack on reproductive justice. Representative Gress and the Joint Republicans Caucus’ continued assault on our rights to safe and accessible abortion indicate that their ‘pro-life’ stance has always been about control not care.” And Representative Analise Ortiz added, “The Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence agreed that HB 2427 did nothing to protect survivors. To prevent domestic violence, we must invest in real solutions by expanding access to counseling, housing, childcare, and economic stability.”
For Immediate Release: “The Right Decision” – Democratic Judiciary Leads Applaud Hobbs Veto to Protect Reproductive Healthcare pic.twitter.com/6g5K9dx7nA
— Arizona Senate Democrats (@AZSenateDems) April 3, 2023
HB 2440 would have required “public power entities and public service corporations to prioritize reliable and affordable electric service when conducting infrastructure planning and investments.” Hobbs justified her decision by writing that the bill “is unnecessary and creates regulatory uncertainty in instances where affordability and reliability may be at odds.”
HB 2472 would have prohibited “the State of Arizona from requiring a bank or financial institution to use a social credit score when the bank or financial institution evaluates whether to lend money to a customer.” Hobbs explained that she believed “this bill is overly vague and should not be codified into law,” in part, because “it does not define ‘social credit scores’ – nor do those systems exist anywhere in the United States.”
HB 2056 would have exempted “a dry wash, arroyo, swale, gully or rill or other similar erosional feature that is characterized by low volume, infrequent or short duration flows from the Dredge and Fill Permit Program.” Hobbs argued that this bill created “regulatory confusion and uncertainty by forcing an unnecessary conflict between state law and the federal determination of Waters of the United States.”
House Speaker Ben Toma addressed the pattern of vetoes from the Ninth Floor of the Arizona Executive Tower, stating: “Issuing vetoes is easy. Actual leadership requires hard work, and Republicans in the legislature will continue to pass good public policies that make the state better for working Arizonans and families.”
Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
Democrat Governor Katie Hobbs leveled a Republican-led effort to protect Second Amendment rights in Arizona with her 18th veto of the legislative session.
Governor Hobbs vetoed SB 1096, which “prohibits a public entity from entering into a contract of $100,000 or more with a company to acquire or dispose of services, supplies, information technology or construction unless the contract includes a written certification that the company does not, and will not, discriminate against a firearm entity or firearm trade association.”
Earlier this month, the bill sponsor, Senator Frank Carroll, touted his legislation and its importance to Arizonans, writing: “I sponsored SB 1096, which would prohibit the government from doing business with companies that discriminate against those who are involved within the firearms industry, whether that’s a manufacturer, a trade association or other entity. Over the past several years, the left has failed at infringing on 2nd amendment rights through legislation, so they’re now attempting to hurt the firearms industry through financial means. The government should not enable this practice.”
In this week's edition of "The Carroll Chronicle," @RepFrankCarroll discusses his efforts at the Legislature to protect 2nd amendment rights, improve your drive in the West Valley and a special St. Paddy's Day tribute. ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/6AqxzViULd
Carroll mentioned that this bill was his third try to pass this policy through the Arizona Legislature.
Hobbs explained the reasoning for her veto in a customary letter to Senate President Warren Petersen, saying, “This bill is unnecessary and, if enacted, could result in banks leaving Arizona’s market. This would limit competition and increase costs for local governments, costs which ultimately fall on taxpayers.”
The National Rifle Association (NRA) took note of Hobbs’ veto and signaled its immediate displeasure in the action soon after it was announced. The NRA Institute for Legislative Action stated, “Yesterday, Governor Katie Hobbs vetoed Senate Bill 1096, which would have discouraged businesses from discriminating against the firearm industry by preventing Arizona taxpayer dollars from going to those that engage in such practices. This is not surprising, as Gov. Hobbs signaled her hostility towards Second Amendment rights last year by accepting the endorsements of national anti-gun groups. NRA thanks the lawmakers who worked to pass such a critical bill from the Legislature. This veto highlights how defending the Second Amendment is a never-ending task. Law-abiding gun owners must remain vigilant and continue to work to elect officials who will uphold their rights.”
The Senate passed Carroll’s bill back in February with a party-line 16-13 vote (with one Democrat member not voting). The House recently took up the proposal and cleared it with another party-line tally (31-29), paving the way for the legislation to be sent to the Governor’s Office.
During the legislative process, representatives from the Arizona Association of Counties, Chandler Chamber of Commerce, County Supervisors Association of Arizona, Arizona National Organization for Women, State Conference NAACP, and ACLU of Arizona registered in opposition to SB 1096.
Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
The University of Arizona (UArizona) has a new program teaching students how to lawfully run a marijuana business.
The program, Cannabis Compliance & Risk Management, awards a certificate in cannabis compliance upon completion. The course also awards one year of Association of Certified Commercial Cannabis Experts (ACCCE) membership, which comes with additional resources and training materials.
The program consists of three courses lasting eight weeks each, all of which are offered exclusively online: Cannabis 101, Cannabis Compliance and Risk Management I, and Cannabis Compliance and Risk Management II.
The first course, Cannabis 101, reviews the historical, cultural, and industrial backgrounds of cannabis. Topics include: history of cannabis, phytocannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system, agriculture and cultivation, enterprise, law and policy, cannabis medicine and healthcare, and careers in the cannabis industry.
In a sample video of the course, Professor David Bearman dispelled a common misconception that CBD doesn’t have psychoactive effects, noting that it suppresses anxiety and depression without the euphoric side effects.
Bearman reviewed the history of medicinal cannabis; he stated that the first study on medicinal cannabis was issued in the 1940s, but it wasn’t until decades later that greater implementation of the drug was studied. Bearman also reviewed the difference between marinol, the synthetic form of the drug, and cannabis, the natural form of the drug.
The second and third courses, Cannabis Compliance and Risk Management I and II, focus on risk assessment, including illicit markets, money laundering, and operational aspects; control activities and environment; communication; assurance; the supply chain; and board reporting.
The program costs just under $3,000. UArizona offers a $250 discount via a promotional code for those who register by April 9.
According to the Arizona Department of Revenue (ADOR), the state’s cannabis market has experienced nearly $3 billion in sales since the state began allowing sales in January 2021.
The state legalized recreational marijuana in the 2020 election through Proposition 207.
On the flip side of the revenue boost is the rise in marijuana poisonings in children. The number of children poisoned by cannabis ingestion more than quadrupled over the past two years. These poisonings have increased dramatically despite guardrails within Prop 207 that were supposed to prevent pediatric poisonings. These included requiring manufacturers and dispensaries to use child-resistant packaging and banning the sale of cannabis products in the form of gummy worms and bears.
A key player in getting Prop 207 passed was Ninth Circuit Court Judge Roopali Desai, nominated by President Joe Biden to the court last year.
Corinne Murdock is a reporter for AZ Free News. Follow her latest on Twitter, or email tips to corinne@azfreenews.com.
