Body Modification is a form of self-expression. It is a visual representation of who someone is. It is a personal decision, made only by the person who is receiving the service of tattooing, or piercing. It is a decision that shouldn't be affected by the government. 

When someone modifies their body, it does not affect anyone but themselves. If they decide to go through procedures such as scarification, or receive dermal implants, they are doing so to, in their eyes, improve their aesthetic, or maybe for spiritual reasons. These procedures are being done to the individual. Why should this be taken away from them? As if every time they are poked by a needle or cut open, etc, it is affecting law makers?

By trying to ban certain types of body modification, the first amendment right is being affected. This falls under the "freedom of expression" part. What people do to themselves is their business. Furthermore, who are they hurting when going through these procedures, besides themselves?

The Arkansas bill to ban "non-traditional" modifications, particularly scarification and dermal implants, was written vaguely. Though the bill was revised to remove the specific ban on scarification, there is not much else to be said as to how clear the bill is, especially towards tattoos. The bill calls for a ban on "non-traditional" tattoos, but there are no lines drawn around what is and isn't "traditional". 

For the state to try to pass a bill as vague as this, proves only that people in power nowadays don't care for individuals, they don't care for the minority. They care for what will get them reelected, they care for what the majority of the people like to see, instead of caring for what is right and just.

The modified community is ever growing, and we will not go unheard. It is our turn to fight for our rights. This bill that Arkansas is trying to pass is the equivilent to the Jim Crowe laws passed in the 60's. Stop trying to stomp basic rights, Arkansas!

Show you are against discrimination. By signing this petition, you can say that you SEE the real reason behind this shallow-minded bill. You can say that YES, you stand up for everyone's rights. You can say that a right as simple as body modification should NOT be taken away.

Please, help support the modified community--not just in Arkansas, but all over the world. Let's all band together and make our voices heard. Let's all help to slowly but surely bring a better light to the modified world.

[I may not live in Arkansas, but I am a part of the modified community, so I feel the need to stand up for my modified brothers and sisters.]