Arkansas organization challenges policy over gender markings [Video]

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — On Tuesday, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Arkansas filed a lawsuit against the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA), fighting against a rule that restricts the ability of transgender and nonbinary Arkansans to self-identify their gender on driver’s licenses.

ACLU filed the complaint on behalf of five people, which argues that the emergency rule was implemented “without any documented justification or compliance” under the Arkansas Administrative Procedure Act. According to the organization, there should’ve been a 30-day public notice and comment period.

“The law requires agencies to listen to the people affected by their rule,” ACLU of Arkansas Legal Director John Williams said. “Agencies cannot fabricate emergencies to evade that responsibility. Having failed to seek public input as required by law, DFA …