Supreme Court Upholds Tennessee Ban on Gender-Affirming Care for Minors

The U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday upheld Tennessee’s ban on puberty blockers and hormone therapy for transgender minors, ruling 6–3 that the law does not violate the Constitution’s Equal Protection Clause. The challenge was brought by three transgender teenagers, their parents, and a Memphis doctor, who argued that the state’s restrictions on gender-affirming care were discriminatory. Chief Justice John Roberts, writing for the majority, acknowledged the scientific and policy debates surrounding gender-related medical care but said the Court’s responsibility is limited to interpreting the Constitution. The ruling allows Tennessee’s law to remain in effect and could pave the way for similar laws in other states to be upheld.