In a landmark ruling with far-reaching consequences, the U.S. Supreme Court has upheld Tennessee’s law banning gender-affirming care for transgender youth, including puberty blockers and hormone therapy. The 6–3 decision in United States v. Skrmetti marks the first time the Court has ruled on the constitutionality of such bans, and LGBTQ advocates say it’s a devastating setback. Writing for the majority, Chief Justice John Roberts claimed the law does not violate the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment, and therefore doesn’t require heightened judicial scrutiny. That reasoning, critics say, opens the door for other states to follow suit.
Human Rights Campaign President Kelley Robinson said,
“This Court chose to allow politicians to interfere in medical decisions that should be made by doctors, patients, and families — a cruel betrayal of the children who needed them to stand up for justice when it mattered most.”
Justice Sonia Sotomayor issued a scathing dissent, accusing the Court of abandoning transgender youth to “political whims.” Outrage erupted across LGBTQ circles, medical organizations, and religious allies. The American Academy of Pediatrics warned that the ruling will endanger lives. GLAAD’s Sarah Kate Ellis called it a chilling step toward unchecked government overreach.
Faith leaders joined in. Rev. Paul Raushenbush of Interfaith Alliance said,
“God loves trans youth, and so do so many religious communities and people of diverse faith and belief across our country.”
Already, 27 states have laws restricting gender-affirming care for minors, and 23 are currently enforcing them. HRC warned families may be forced to uproot just to protect their children’s health. While legal experts stress that other trans protections remain intact, the verdict has shaken the community—and the fight, they say, is far from over.
