Tom Walton, a key figure in developing cycling in Arkansas and in bringing the 2022 Cyclocross World Championships to the state, released a statement on Tuesday calling a string of anti-transgender policies that have been passed by the state government in recent weeks “harmful” and urging leaders “to consider the impact of existing and future policy that limits basic freedoms and does not promote inclusiveness in our communities and economy.”

Last month, the Arkansas state legislature passed and Governor Asa Hutchinson signed SB-354, preventing transgender girls and women from participating on school sports teams consistent with their gender identity. More recently, the Arkansas legislature passed a bill preventing transgender youth from receiving gender-affirming healthcare. Hutchinson vetoed the latter bill, but on Tuesday, the legislature overrode that veto.

“We are alarmed by the string of policy targeting LGBTQ people in Arkansas. This trend is harmful and sends the wrong message to those willing to invest in or visit our state. We support Gov. Asa Hutchinson’s recent veto of discriminatory policy and implore government, business and community leaders to consider the impact of existing and future policy that limits basic freedoms and does not promote inclusiveness in our communities and economy,” Walton said in a statement posted on the Walton Family Foundation’s website.

“Our nation was built on inalienable rights and strengthened by individual differences. Arkansas has been called the land of opportunity because it is a place where anyone can think big and achieve the extraordinary. Any policy that limits individual opportunity also limits our state’s potential.”