In a striking policy shift, the Trump administration has informed the U.S. Supreme Court that Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming care for transgender minors does not violate constitutional protections, marking a departure from the stance taken under President Joe Biden.
The court previously heard arguments on December 4, with its conservative majority signaling support for the state’s law. While the Biden administration had challenged the ban as a violation of the 14th Amendment’s equal protection clause, the Department of Justice, under new leadership, has reconsidered that position.
Deputy Solicitor General Curtis Gannon urged the justices to move forward with ruling on the case rather than dismissing it. He emphasized that the issue remains relevant, with similar laws enacted across multiple states.
Tennessee’s legislation prohibits puberty blockers and hormone treatments for minors diagnosed with gender dysphoria. It is one of over two dozen state-level restrictions targeting transgender rights, part of a broader legal and political battle over gender identity policies in the U.S.
The Supreme Court’s ruling in this case is expected to have significant implications for legal battles over transgender rights nationwide.
