First Transgender Attorney to Argue Before Supreme Court in Tennessee's Transgender Youth Care Case

Dec 3, 2024, 12:28 PM

On Wednesday, December 4, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments in United States v. Skrmetti, a landmark case challenging Tennessee's ban on gender-affirming medical care for transgender minors, known as S.B.1. The case will address whether the state's prohibition of treatments such as puberty blockers and hormone therapy violates the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment. Representing the challengers, Chase Strangio, an attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), will become the first openly transgender lawyer to argue before the Supreme Court. Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti and Solicitor General Matt Rice will defend the state's position. The outcome of the case could have significant implications for similar laws enacted in at least 26 other states and may shape the future of transgender rights and access to medical care for minors and potentially adults in the United States.