A federal judge has issued an order to halt 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, was challenged by the American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana due to concerns over its constitutionality. While the law’s prohibition on gender-affirming surgeries will still be enforced, provisions that restrict Indiana doctors from discussing gender-affirming care with out-of-state doctors for patients under 18 have also been blocked. The lawsuit was filed immediately after the bill was signed by Governor Eric Holcomb in April.
The legal challenge, filed on behalf of four transgender youths and an Indiana doctor, argues that the ban violates the equal protection guarantees of the US Constitution and infringes on parents’ rights to make medical decisions for their children. The ban was passed by Indiana’s Republican-dominated Legislature following contentious hearings, during which opponents argued that gender-affirming care reduces the risk of depression and suicide among transgender youth. US District Court Judge James Patrick Hanlon, appointed by former President Donald Trump, blocked the law from taking effect after determining that opponents had demonstrated potential harm to those undergoing treatment and had a strong likelihood of succeeding in their constitutional arguments.
Judge Hanlon stated that the ACLU provided “evidence of risks to minors’ health and well-being from gender dysphoria if those treatments can no longer be provided to minors.” However, the ban on gender-affirming surgeries for minors in Indiana will not have an immediate impact, as no medical providers in the state perform such procedures on individuals under 18. Indiana University Health Riley Children’s Hospital, the state’s sole hospital-based gender health program, confirmed that they do not perform genital surgeries or provide referrals for minors. The hospital was not involved in the ACLU’s lawsuit.
The ACLU celebrated the ruling as a victory in the fight for transgender rights, emphasizing the need to defend the right of all trans individuals to be their authentic selves and free from discrimination. The office of GOP state Attorney General Todd Rokita expressed disappointment in the decision but affirmed their commitment to continue fighting for the children affected by the ban. As of now, at least 20 states led by GOP legislators have passed laws restricting or banning medical treatments for transgender minors. Lawsuits challenging these bans have been filed in multiple states, and federal judges have already blocked enforcement of similar laws in Alabama and Arkansas.
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