In a narrow win for trans rights, a Florida judge has blocked parts of a Florida law that would ban transgender minors from receiving gender-affirming care.
On Tuesday, Judge Robert Hinkle issued an injunction that claims Florida has no grounds to deny puberty blockers for children. The ruling came after a lawsuit challenged Governor Ron DeSantis’ ban on the medical care for underage trans youth. The claim was brought forward by parents of three children, all of which were receiving gender-reaffirming care. Hinkle ruled that the juveniles at the center of the suit may continue their treatment.
“Gender identity is real. The record makes this clear,” Hinkle stated during his ruling.
Despite his decision, DeSantis’ office says they are committed to moving forward with the ban. They confirmed that they’d make exceptions for the three children mentioned in the lawsuit but would indeed enforce the law.
“We will continue fighting against the rogue elements in the medical establishment that push ideology over evidence,” press secretary Jeremy Redfern said.
Sadly, other juveniles in the state who were not part of the lawsuit are at risk of losing gender-affirming care. This has driven some parents to seek refuge in more liberal states. Trans-adults who rely on these treatments may also be at risk since there is language in DeSantis’ bill that makes it difficult for anyone to receive cross-sex hormones. Doctors who administer the therapies may also face stiff consequences if they are reported for giving minors the medications.
The Republican governor is preparing to take ideologies such as these to the White House as he bids for the presidency. He previously garnered support from then-President Donald Trump, who also supports the banning of gender-affirming care for minors.
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