Transgender plaintiffs denied birth certificate changes in Tennessee

A federal judge in Tennessee dismissed a lawsuit brought by transgender plaintiffs seeking to change the sex designations on their birth certificates. The judge ruled that the 1977 law prohibiting such changes does not unconstitutionally discriminate against transgender people. The plaintiffs argued that the policy is harmful and exposes them to possible harassment and violence. Lambda Legal, which brought the lawsuit on their behalf, criticized the ruling and said it was evaluating possible next steps. Tennessee is among several states targeting transgender rights, including banning gender-affirming care for minors and preventing driver's licenses and birth certificate changes.