Today, the Supreme Court ruled on the landmark gender affirming care case US v. Skrmetti, upholding a lower court’s decision to support Tennessee in its ban on gender-affirming care for minors.
The decision was 6-3, with the only dissent being Justices Sotomayor, Kagan, and Brown-Jackson. Legal analyst Chris Geidner points out that while this will impact future legal arguments in pushing against gender affirming care bans, several narrow routes are still open to challenge various laws.
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This case saw oral arguments in late 2024, where compelling discussion points were raised as to its illegitimacy, including right-wing lawyers fumbling their arguments. Nevertheless, the majority conservative court chose to uphold their own transphobia rather than rely on legal precedent.
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In spite of this ruling, advocates are issuing strong statements reminding people that the fight is not over, and there are many avenues for hope. Madycast News has previously provided multiple articles that describe how transgender individuals and their allies can fight back against the growing tyranny of anti-trans advocacy, and how we can protect our own.
Equality Ohio Dwayne Steward said in a statement sent to INTO: “This ruling is a loss, but it will not stop us. We will keep showing up for our youth. No court can erase us, and no law can silence the truth that trans people belong and deserve care.”
Brian K. Bond, CEO of PFLAG National, said in a statement: “Today’s shameful 6-3 decision by the U.S. Supreme Court is a cruel blow to doctors, transgender youth, and the loving parents of trans kids… PFLAG National and the hundreds of thousands of LGBTQ+ people, parents, families and allies among our members and supporters will continue to fight for our transgender loved ones. To every transgender and nonbinary person and the families who love you: PFLAG’s got your back, now and always.”
Van Bailey, a patient navigator for the Campaign for Southern Equality’s Trans Youth Emergency Project, said in a statement: “Every day I speak with families of transgender youth who are worried about the future. Many are panicking, unsure of where or when they’ll get the medicine that their child needs to continue leading a healthy, happy life. These laws are cruelly thrusting families into impossible choices, and it is deeply unfair. I’m honored that we can provide some measure of relief and support, talking families through their options and reminding them that there’s a whole community behind them, ready to pitch in and help them through this crisis.”
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