Supreme Court Weighs Tennessee Transgender Care Ban

The U.S. Supreme Court is deliberating the constitutionality of a Tennessee law that bans medical transition treatments for transgender minors, such as hormone therapy and puberty blockers, arguing it discriminates based on sex. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson compared the ban to historical laws against interracial marriage, suggesting both rely on discriminatory classifications. Despite her concerns, a majority of the conservative justices appeared to lean towards upholding the law, emphasizing that such decisions should be left to state legislatures. The Biden administration and advocacy groups argue that the ban violates the equal protection clause of the U.S. Constitution. A decision by the Supreme Court could set a precedent affecting similar laws in 25 other states. The case highlights the broader national debate on gender-affirming care and the balance between parental rights, medical expertise, and legislative authority.