Indiana: Federal Judge Blocks Ban on Trans Gender-Affirming Care for Minors

A federal judge blocked Indiana's ban on transgender medical care for minors, which prevents doctors from providing gender-affirming care to kids.

The ban also blocked access to puberty blockers and hormones, apart from gender-affirming surgeries.

Federal Judge Blocks Indiana Trans Gender-Affirming Care for Minors Ban

(Photo : Scott Olson/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, IN - APRIL 14: Residents and visitors attend the first Columbus Pride Festival on April 14, 2018 in Columbus, Indiana. Columbus is the hometown of Vice President Mike Pence, who has been a vocal opponent of LGBT issues. The festival, organized by high school senior Erin Bailey, drew hundreds of visitors to the small community located about 45 miles south of Indianapolis.

As per a report by USA Today, the law, signed by Gov. Eric Holcomb, a Republican, was set to take effect on July 1. But on Friday, US District Judge James Patrick Hanlon issued an order blocking most provisions of the law.

The District Judge issued a preliminary injunction to a suit filed by transgender youth, their parents, and a medical provider, arguing that the ban violates the US Constitution.

The American Civil Liberties of Union of Indiana legal director, Ken Falk, who represented the plaintiffs in the lawsuit, dubbed the federal judge's ruling a "victory." He says it is "a testament to the trans youth of Indiana, their families, and their allies, who never gave up the fight to protect access to gender-affirming care."

Falk also notes that it serves as a victory as well for those who continue to defend the rights of trans people to express their true authentic selves without grappling with discrimination.

According to The Independent, the US District Judge, appointed by former President Donald Trump, issued the ruling that temporarily blocks the ban on gender-affirming care for trans youth. However, the preliminary injunction skips the prohibition of gender-affirming surgeries for minors.

The ruling comes as a relief for countless transgender youth in Indiana who were at risk of being denied access to the critical care they need. Advocates argue that gender-affirming care is essential in helping trans minors navigate their gender identity and reducing the alarming rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide that disproportionately affect this vulnerable population.

Indiana's Ban on Gender-Affirming Care for Minors

As The Hill reports, Republican Gov. Holcomb signed Senate Bill 480 into law last April.

The bill was supposed to be in effect starting July 1, preventing healthcare providers based in Indiana from administering medical care for gender transition for trans youth.

But hours after signing the law, The ACLU brought the state to court, citing a violation of the US Constitution.

Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita, one of the lawsuit defendants, told The Hill that the ruling, which temporarily blocks the gender-affirming ban, is "a disappointment. However, the Attorney General warns that it is not "the end of the story," noting that they will continue to defend the passed law and "fight for the children."