Court Upholds Bans on Transgender Care for Minors in Tennessee and Kentucky

The 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld laws in Tennessee and Kentucky that ban gender-affirming medical care for minors, including puberty blockers, hormones, and surgery. The court rejected a challenge by families of transgender children who argued that the bans discriminate on the basis of sex. This ruling follows a similar decision by the 11th Circuit, while federal district courts in Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, and Indiana have overturned such bans. Medical associations argue that gender-affirming care is appropriate and potentially life-saving, but the court sided with proponents of the bans who claim the treatments are unproven and could harm children. Advocacy groups have called the ruling devastating for transgender youth and are considering their next steps in defense of transgender rights.