Reports from legal analysts, news media, and LGBTQ+ advocacy groups

Supreme Court Reviews Tennessee's Transgender Youth Care Ban in U.S. v. Skrmetti

Dec 4, 2024, 01:51 PM

On December 4, the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments in U.S. v. Skrmetti, a landmark case challenging the constitutionality of Tennessee's law (S.B.1), enacted in 2023, which bans gender-affirming medical treatments—including puberty blockers, hormone therapy, and surgeries—for transgender minors. This is the first time the Court is reviewing whether states can prohibit certain gender transition medical treatments for young people under the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment. Chase Strangio, a transgender attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union, represented the families challenging the law and became the first openly transgender lawyer to argue before the Supreme Court. The Biden administration is also challenging Tennessee's law. The Court's decision could affect similar legislation enacted by 26 other states and has significant implications for transgender rights, including access to medical care, sports participation, and bathroom use nationwide. Protests took place outside the Supreme Court as the justices heard the case.