Montana Supreme Court Blocks Gender Care Ban

The Montana Supreme Court has upheld a preliminary injunction blocking the state's ban on gender-affirming care for transgender youth, indicating that the plaintiffs likely have a strong case under the Montana constitution. Meanwhile, President-elect Donald Trump has proposed a federal ban on gender-affirming care, which would reduce access across the country, particularly affecting transgender youth. The Supreme Court is currently deliberating U.S. v. Skrmetti, a Tennessee case that could establish a precedent for transgender rights, with indications that the conservative justices may uphold the state's ban on such care. The case has drawn attention due to its implications for medical access for transgender minors and has prompted advocacy from organizations like the ACLU. Advocates argue that bans on gender-affirming care violate the Equal Protection Clause, while a Supreme Court ruling is expected next year. This legal landscape reflects a broader trend of increasing restrictions on transgender healthcare across numerous states.