A NATION IN TRANSITION: CBS REPORTS
A federal judge has rejected a request to pause litigation against Alabama’s ban on gender-affirming care for minors. This ruling comes as similar cases wind their way to the U.S. Supreme Court.
In a statement, U.S. District Judge Liles Burke declined a request from the U.S. Department of Justice to delay proceedings. The Justice Department wanted the Alabama case put on hold until related petitions are heard by appellate courts. Judge Burke stated that while a stay might be appropriate later if the petitions are granted, the case will move forward for now.
Transgender youth and their families are urging the U.S. Supreme Court to review an appellate court decision allowing bans in Kentucky and Tennessee to remain in effect. For the Alabama case, families with transgender children have asked the full 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to review a decision, which would allow the Alabama law to take effect. The Alabama case is scheduled to go to trial in April.
It’s worth nothing that across the U.S., at least 22 states have implemented laws that either entirely ban or restrict gender-affirming care for minors. Most of these bans are currently being challenged in court. In Alabama, the ban makes it a felony for doctors to provide puberty blockers or hormones to individuals under the age of 19 who are seeking to affirm a new gender identity. Despite this law, an injunction is currently in place until the 11th Circuit appeals court issues a mandate in the case.
