SCOTUS Delivers Heartbreaking Ruling

The U.S. Supreme Court in a 6-3 decision upheld that Tennessee’s transgender medical care ban for youth is constitutional effectively restricting access to gender-affirming medical care for thousands of transgender youth in 27 states. Lucas Cameron-Vaughn, Senior Staff Attorney at the ACLU of Tennessee stated, “The Supreme Court told Tennessee transgender youth & their families that they cannot access healthcare that is vitally important for a successful life. This ruling creates a class of people who politicians believe deserve healthcare & a class of people who do not. We will continue to stand with transgender people in Tennessee & are committed to realizing a world where all people belong, are valued & can access the necessary healthcare they need.” Sarah Kate Ellis, GLAAD President & CEO added, “The Supreme Court took the place of parents & doctors & stripped away their ability to make private, lifesaving decisions for their children. This ruling is a chilling step toward unchecked government overreach, intruding on the most personal aspects of our private lives. All families are now less safe & left vulnerable to politicians & a Court that has abandoned its duty to protect personal liberties. Every family deserves the freedom to make the medical decisions that help their children live, thrive & be well.” Tony Hoang Equality California Executive Director concluded, "Healthcare decisions should be made between doctors, parents & children. This ruling permits the government to intrude into deeply personal medical decisions. It is a shameful & dangerous setback for transgender youth, their families & every person who believes in freedom & bodily autonomy. The Supreme Court has chosen politics over people & is allowing states to strip transgender kids of the care they need to survive.”