Terry Schilling, president of the American Principles Project (APP), criticized Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs for vetoing HB 2586, a bill that would have mandated age verification on adult websites to prevent minors from accessing explicit content. Schilling's statement highlighted the disappointment in Hobbs' decision, accusing her of prioritizing the interests of the adult industry over the well-being of Arizona families.

Schilling emphasized the bipartisan support for laws requiring age verification for online adult content, stating, "Katie Hobbs’ veto represents a shameful, new low for a left-wing politician. Up until now, protecting kids from online porn had been a cause with nearly unanimous, bipartisan support." He pointed out that both Democrat and Republican governors in multiple states have signed similar legislation, underscoring the widespread recognition of the importance of safeguarding children from inappropriate material.

Expressing concern over Hobbs' alignment with the adult industry, Schilling remarked, "But instead of doing the right (and popular!) thing, Hobbs has instead chosen to side with the predatory porn industry and against Arizona families." He criticized Hobbs for invoking the First Amendment as a reason for her decision, asserting that obscenity, especially when targeted at minors, is not considered protected speech.

Schilling concluded by emphasizing the need for leadership that prioritizes the protection of children and families, stating, "Arizona parents deserve a governor who will stand up for them and their kids. Sadly, Katie Hobbs has now clearly shown she cares more about shielding exploitative pornographers than defending her state’s families. We will make sure voters remember this when election time comes."

The APP's strong condemnation of Governor Hobbs' veto underscores the organization's commitment to advocating for policies that prioritize the well-being of families and protect children from exposure to harmful content online.