A Florida law banning gender-affirming health care for transgender minors and restricting access for certain adults is unconstitutional, ruled U.S. District Court Judge Robert Hinkle on Tuesday. The law, signed by Governor Ron DeSantis in May 2023, barred healthcare providers from administering treatments like puberty blockers and hormones to minors and imposed barriers for transgender adults seeking care.
Judge Hinkle’s 105-page decision stated, “Florida has adopted a statute and rules that ban gender-affirming care for minors even when medically appropriate. The ban is unconstitutional.” He cited “anti-transgender animus” and a “deeply flawed, bias-driven” report by Florida’s Agency for Health Care Administration as motivations behind the law.
The ruling permanently blocks the law and criticizes the state medical boards for imposing unjustified requirements. Hinkle emphasized, “Transgender opponents are of course free to hold their beliefs. But they are not free to discriminate against transgender individuals just for being transgender.”
Governor DeSantis’ spokesperson announced plans to appeal, stating the court was wrong and labeling gender-affirming procedures as harmful. However, Hinkle disputed claims that European countries have banned such care, calling the assertion false. Transgender advocates hailed the ruling as a victory for LGBTQ rights, emphasizing its impact on families like that of 12-year-old plaintiff Susan Doe.
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