A federal judge, US District Judge Liles Burke, has declined a request to pause litigation challenging Alabama’s ban on gender-affirming care for minors.
This decision comes as similar cases across the country are making their way towards the U.S. Supreme Court.
Judge Burke Denies Request
The US Department of Justice had sought to put the Alabama case on hold until appellate courts determined whether they would hear related petitions addressing the legality of states enacting bans on gender-affirming care for minors.
Judge Burke rejected the request, emphasizing that the legal landscape in this matter is rapidly evolving.
Judge Burke stated that the case will proceed at this time, but acknowledged that a stay might be considered later if the related petitions are granted by the appellate courts.
The backdrop of this legal battle involves transgender young people and their families seeking a review by the US Supreme Court. The review pertains to an appellate court decision allowing bans on gender-affirming care for minors to remain in effect in Kentucky and Tennessee.
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Alabama’s Transgender Care Ban Under Urgent Review
In Alabama, families with transgender children are urging the full 11th US Circuit Court of Appeals to review a decision that would permit the Alabama law to take effect.
The Alabama case is currently scheduled to go to trial in April, adding to the growing list of legal battles across the nation addressing gender-affirming care for minors. Notably, at least 22 states have enacted laws either banning or restricting gender-affirming care for minors, and the majority of these bans are currently facing legal challenges.
Alabama’s ban specifically classifies providing puberty blockers or hormones to individuals under the age of 19 to affirm a new gender identity as a felony, carrying a potential penalty of up to 10 years in prison for healthcare providers.
However, the law remains blocked by injunction until the 11th Circuit appeals court issues a mandate in the case.
As the legal landscape evolves and similar cases progress, the fate of gender-affirming care for minors remains a topic of intense debate and legal scrutiny across the United States.
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