Supreme Court upholds Tennessee's ban on 'gender-affirming care' for trans minors

The Supreme Court has upheld Tennessee’s ban on "gender-affirming care" for transgender minors, marking a significant ruling for conservative lawmakers. The 6-3 decision is a setback for the transgender community amid a wave of restrictive laws in multiple states. Chief Justice John Roberts stated, “This case carries with it the weight of fierce scientific and policy debates.”

The ruling addresses challenges to so-called "puberty blockers" and "hormone therapy," but falls short of ruling on trans surgeries which some pro-child advocates call "mutilation."

The ruling could encourage other states to pursue similar bans. The case was significant as it was the first of its kind to reach the Supreme Court, with disputes over the constitutionality of such laws ongoing in lower federal courts.