A federal judge in Indianapolis has issued an order halting the implementation of an Indiana ban on puberty blockers and hormones for transgender minors. The ban, which was set to take effect on July 1, has been temporarily blocked by U.S. District Court Judge James Patrick Hanlon. The ban was enacted this spring by the Republican-backed law and is part of a broader effort by GOP-led legislatures to limit LGBTQ+ rights.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Indiana filed a lawsuit challenging the law on behalf of four transgender minors undergoing treatment and an Indiana doctor who provides such care. The ACLU argued that the ban violated equal protection guarantees under the U.S. Constitution and infringed upon the rights of parents to make medical decisions for their children.
Judge Hanlon’s order allows the law’s prohibition on gender-affirming surgeries to proceed, but blocks provisions that would prevent Indiana doctors from discussing gender-affirming care with out-of-state doctors for patients under 18.
Supporters of gender-affirming care testified during contentious hearings in the Republican-dominated Legislature, highlighting how such care can reduce the risk of depression and suicide among transgender youth. However, opponents raised concerns about the long-term effects and argued that the ban would protect children from irreversible procedures.
Judge Hanlon, who was appointed by former President Donald Trump, decided to block the law’s implementation due to the demonstrated potential harm to individuals undergoing treatment and the argument that the law may be unconstitutional. The ACLU presented evidence of the negative impact on minors’ health and well-being if their gender dysphoria treatments are halted.
The ACLU leaders hailed the ruling as a victory in their fight against discrimination and vowed to continue their efforts to strike down the unconstitutional law completely.
Indiana is one of at least 20 GOP-led states that have enacted or proposed laws restricting or banning medical treatments for transgender minors. Lawsuits have been filed challenging these bans in several states, and federal judges have blocked enforcement in Alabama and Arkansas. Oklahoma has agreed not to enforce its ban while opponents seek a temporary court order to block it.
Republican state Attorney General Todd Rokita’s office expressed disappointment in the decision and stated that they will continue to fight for the children. The office did not indicate whether they will attempt to appeal the injunction before July 1.
The provisions of the Indiana law banning gender-affirming surgeries for minors will not have an immediate impact since no medical providers in the state currently perform these procedures on individuals under 18.
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