DOJ Drops Biden-Era Lawsuit Challenging Tennessee Transgender Care Ban

The U.S. Department of Justice under President Trump has formally dropped its lawsuit challenging Tennessee's 2023 law banning gender-transition procedures for minors, following the Supreme Court's 6-3 decision upholding the law. The Supreme Court ruled that Tennessee’s ban on puberty blockers, hormone therapy, and surgical interventions for minors does not violate the Equal Protection Clause, citing the state's rational basis amid ongoing medical debate. Attorney General Pam Bondi stated the DOJ would no longer oppose laws like Tennessee’s that protect children, while Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon emphasized the department's commitment to defending states banning these procedures, marking a shift from the previous Biden administration stance. The lawsuit, initially filed during the Biden administration, was dismissed with prejudice, preventing refiling. This development represents a key victory for the Trump administration's efforts to reverse Biden-era policies on transgender healthcare for minors and aligns with broader initiatives to restrict gender-affirming medical treatments and participation in women’s sports by biological males. The DOJ's position underscores a broader federal approach supporting states' authority to regulate these medical procedures and protect children's health and welfare.