Conservative justices appeared ready to uphold Tennessee’s law that prevents transgender youth from accessing some gender-affirming medical treatments, as the supreme court heard oral arguments in a case challenging the policy on Wednesday.
The plaintiffs in US v Skrmetti, which was first brought by three trans youths and their parents last year, argue that the law violates the equal protection clause of the 14th amendment because of sex-based discrimination. The decision in the case, which is expected in June, could have sweeping implications for trans youth across the country. According to the Human Rights Campaign, 26 states have passed bans on gender-affirming care, affecting 39.4% of trans youth in the US.
