Florida’s ban on hormone therapy for minors has cleared a major legal hurdle.
On August 26, a federal appeals court gave the green light for the state to enforce this ban while legal challenges continue.
This decision overturns a previous ruling that had put the law on hold.
The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled 2-1 in favor of Florida.
Judges Britt Grant and Robert Luck pointed out “legitimate concerns” about these treatments, including risks of misdiagnosis and potential health issues.
TRENDING: Another Fast Casual Restaurant Chain Files For Bankruptcy
They believe Florida has a strong case for ultimately winning the legal battle.
The law at the center of this debate was passed in 2023.
Thanks to Governor @RonDeSantis, transgender surgeries and hormones are BANNED for minors in Florida.
“If [doctors] do it, you’re losing your medical license AND you’re going to jail.”pic.twitter.com/mCUtAC2c6j
— DeSantis War Room 🐊 (@DeSantisWarRoom) June 15, 2023
It stops doctors from prescribing puberty blockers or cross-sex hormones to anyone under 18, even if parents agree.
It also bans sex-change surgeries for minors. For adults seeking these treatments, the law adds new rules, like requiring in-person doctor visits.
This ruling goes against a June decision by District Judge Robert Hinkle.
He had sided with those fighting the law, including parents of a child diagnosed with gender dysphoria.
Hinkle argued that Florida shouldn’t block “safe and effective medical treatment” for transgender people.
But the appeals court saw things differently.
They decided that letting Florida enforce the law now is more important than the potential harm to individuals challenging it.
The judges noted that adults can still get these treatments, and minors already receiving them can continue.
This decision reflects growing worries about how hormone therapies might affect young people in the long run.
HUGE WIN!
Federal appeals court rules Florida can enforce ban on puberty blockers, cross s*x hormones and s*x change surgery for minors. pic.twitter.com/CR4dNmb2Kz
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) August 28, 2024
Many doctors are cautious about making changes to developing bodies that can’t be undone.
The court seems to prioritize these medical concerns over arguments about personal choice in gender issues for minors.
Not everyone on the court agreed.
Judge Charles Wilson argued against the decision, saying the law discriminates against transgender people. He worried that stopping access to these treatments would cause unnecessary suffering.
Groups fighting the law, like the National Center for Lesbian Rights, are upset with the ruling. They claim it will stop transgender adults and teens from getting care they see as life-saving.
But those who support the law say it protects kids from making big decisions before they’re ready.
READ NEXT: Russell Brand: ‘The More I Pray, The More Coincidences Happen’
They believe the state should step in to shield minors from medical treatments that might be harmful.