A group of transgender youths has asked the Supreme Court to strike down a Tennessee law that prohibits medical treatment for gender dysphoria in adolescents.
In a petition filed Wednesday, the American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee, representing three children, their parents and a licensed physician, told the justices the law runs afoul of the constitutional rights of the children — with the consent of their parents — to receive medical treatment.
The petition says courts have issued conflicting rulings on these types of state bans on medical treatment of transgender youths — including barring puberty blockers and hormone therapies.
Tennessee is one of nearly two dozen states that have banned certain treatments for transgender youths. The 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld an injunction blocking a ban in Arkansas, but the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals and 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals lifted injunctions on bans in Kentucky, Tennessee and Alabama, according to court documents.
“The legal uncertainty surrounding this medical care is creating chaos across the country for adolescents, families and doctors,” the petition read.
At issue in Wednesday’s filing is Tennessee’s Senate Bill 1, which bans medication that delays or blocks puberty.
It was passed in March and took effect in July. However, the law allows treatment to be weaned through March 2024 so as not to create medical problems for patients who have been receiving hormone therapies.
The 6th Circuit ruled against the transgender youths, their parents and the physician, reasoning the state had a right to regulate the medical profession.
It would take four justices to vote in favor of reviewing the dispute.
Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti, the named defendant in the case, did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the appeal.
The case is L.W. by and through her parents and next friends, Samantha Williams and Brian Williams, et. al. v. Jonathan Skrmetti, et. al.
• Alex Swoyer can be reached at aswoyer@washingtontimes.com.