Supreme Court to Decide on Tennessee's Ban on Gender-Affirming Care for Minors

Dec 2, 2024, 08:15 PM

The U.S. Supreme Court is set to hear arguments on Wednesday in a landmark case, U.S. v. Skrmetti, challenging Tennessee's ban on gender-affirming care for transgender minors. This case marks the first time the Supreme Court will consider the constitutionality of state laws restricting access to such care. Chase Strangio, a transgender attorney from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), will become the first openly transgender lawyer to argue before the nation's highest court. The case could have significant implications for transgender rights across the U.S., potentially setting a precedent for other states with similar laws. The Tennessee law prohibits puberty blockers and hormone therapy for transgender individuals under 18, and the Supreme Court will weigh whether this ban violates the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment. Tennessee is defending the law as a means to protect minors from making life-altering medical decisions. At least 26 states have adopted similar laws, and the case comes amid heightened pushback to transgender rights, including opposition from former President Donald Trump.