SCOTUS Hears Arguments on Teneessee Transgender Law

The Supreme Court today heard oral arguments on the state of Tennessee's restrictions on gender transition procedures for minors. Our legal correspondent Arlene Richards breaks down the arguments. The Supreme Court on Wednesday heard an appeal from transgender teens and the federal government who say Tennessee's ban on their gender transition procedures is illegal. The court considered whether a state law that bans puberty blockers, hormone therapy and surgery for transgender minors discriminates on the basis of sex. The law makes exceptions for minors who need treatment for other reasons. Plaintiffs argued that children born male are permitted to receive testosterone treatments, but children born female are not. They say minors who have been diagnosed with gender dysphoria or experiencing gender identity issues need appropriate treatment to prevent serious psychological and physical harm. The Biden administration claims the law violates the 14th Amendment's Equal Protection Clause. Tennessee's attorney general argued there is uncertainty around certain risks and benefits of gender transition procedures for minors. Risks include infertility, heart disease and cancer. They say the medical treatments prohibited by the law have very little scientific support for their effectiveness. Chief Justice John Roberts expressed concern about the medical issues involved. Here, it seems to me that the medical issues are much more heavily involved than in many of the cases that you look to. And of course, we are not the best situated to address issues like that, unlike in, you know, like Morales and Craig Reborn and some of the other ones. Overall, the justices seem split on whether the 14th Amendment protects transgender individuals. Justice Brett Kavanaugh questioned the impact on women's and girls' sports. And I want to ask in particular about one thing. If you prevail here on the standard of review, what would that mean for women's and girls' sports in particular? Would transgender athletes have a constitutional right, as you see it, to play in women's and A ruling on the case is expected by the end of June 2025. Arlene Richards, NTD News.