Supreme Court Upholds States' Bans on Gender-Affirming Care for Minors

The U.S. Supreme Court upheld Tennessee's ban on gender-transition treatments for minors, ruling that the law only requires rational basis scrutiny under the Equal Protection Clause, a decision seen as a major setback for transgender rights. This ruling, which states can ban gender-affirming care for minors, was praised by North Carolina's State Treasurer Brad Briner in relation to a similar case involving the state's health plan excluding coverage for such treatments. The Court avoided applying heightened scrutiny for discrimination against transgender individuals, citing that the law does not explicitly distinguish based on transgender status and defers to the democratic process on medical controversies. However, the decision has sparked criticism and highlighted deep divisions within the Court and society, with advocates warning of the broader implications for healthcare access for transgender youth. The ruling also reflects ongoing struggles in constitutional interpretation regarding sex discrimination, referencing earlier cases like Geduldig v. Aiello and the evolving standards of scrutiny applied by the Court. Overall, the decision underscores the polarized political and legal landscape surrounding transgender healthcare and civil rights in the U.S.