Supreme Court to Rule on State Bans for Trans Youth Healthcare
The Supreme Court has agreed to hear an appeal from the Biden administration challenging state bans on gender-affirming care for minors. This decision comes amid a wave of legislation in Republican-led states imposing various restrictions on health care for transgender individuals, participation in school sports, bathroom usage, and drag shows. The specific case involves a Tennessee law that restricts puberty blockers and hormone therapy for transgender minors.
The federal appeals court in Cincinnati had previously allowed the laws in Tennessee and Kentucky to take effect after they were initially blocked by lower courts. Similar restrictions have been enacted in nearly half of U.S. states, often leading to legal battles. This marks a significant moment as the Supreme Court has rarely addressed transgender issues, with its last major ruling in 2020 protecting LGBTQ individuals from employment discrimination. Oral arguments and a ruling on this case are expected in the court's next term.
