The ban on gender-affirming care for minors in Texas has been allowed to continue, as per the ruling of the Texas Supreme Court on Friday.
The law, known as Senate Bill 14, has been the subject of controversy due to its constitutionality. A lower court had previously blocked its implementation while the issue was being challenged. However, in a recent decision, the all-Republican court overturned this order by an 8-1 vote. This marks the second time in a year that the court has ruled in favor of the law, as it had previously allowed the ban to take effect as scheduled in September.
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Under Texas law, healthcare providers are prohibited from offering gender transition surgeries, hormone therapies, or puberty-blocking medication to individuals under the age of 18. However, exceptions are made for intersex patients.
In May 2023, the state’s Republican-controlled legislature passed a ban despite days of protest and procedural delays by Democrats. The ban includes a provision that allows those who had already started receiving treatment to “wean off.” Last June, the law was signed, and it revokes the license of health care providers who offer such care.
Over 20 states have implemented limitations on gender-affirming care for minors, with Texas following suit in similar fashion. The GOP-led states have cited worries over the potential long-term impact of such treatments, despite the clinical appropriateness of such care being recognized by major medical associations.
Lambda Legal, which was one of the groups that initiated the lawsuit against the bill, expressed its strong disapproval of the ruling on Friday. LGBTQ advocacy groups also criticized the decision, stating that the ruling would have a profoundly negative impact. According to Lambda Legal, the repercussions of this ruling cannot be overstated.
Karen Loewy, senior counsel for Lambda Legal, expressed her concern over the recent decision of the Court to let politicians decide the course of treatment for minor children instead of leaving it to their parents and doctors. She further stated that this decision goes against the medical consensus and poses a serious threat to the health and well-being of transgender youth in Texas. Despite this setback, Loewy affirmed Lambda Legal’s commitment to fighting against such measures.
According to a statement shared with CNN, Andrew Mahaleris, press secretary for Governor Abbott, stated that the recently passed law in Texas was approved by a bipartisan majority and guarantees access to necessary medical services. Mahaleris added that Governor Abbott is committed to collaborating with the legislature to safeguard the future of Texas children.
The issue of gender-affirming care for minors has sparked political controversy, with Democrats accusing Republicans of introducing an unprecedented number of bills that discriminate against the LGBTQ community. The argument centers around whether medical decisions for minors should be left solely to their parents. Recently, the Biden administration took a stand against Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming care for minors, and the US Supreme Court has agreed to hear the appeal. The outcome of this case will determine if states can restrict such care, making it a highly anticipated decision.
