The U.S. 10th Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld Oklahoma’s ban on gender transition care for minors, a decision that aligns with recent Supreme Court precedent.
The federal appeals court found “no evidence” that Oklahoma’s legislature enacted Senate Bill 613 with discriminatory intent against transgender minors. The court also determined that there is no deeply rooted tradition of parental rights to access gender transition procedures for their children.
This ruling follows a June decision by the Supreme Court, which held that Tennessee’s similar ban on gender transition care for minors does not violate the Constitution. The significance of this trend in judicial decisions should not be overlooked.
Advocacy groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union of Oklahoma and Lambda Legal, have expressed strong opposition to the ruling. They characterize it as “devastating” for transgender youth and their families, attributing it in part to the Supreme Court’s earlier decision in United States v. Skrmetti.
Senate Bill 613 prohibits all forms of gender-transition medical treatment for minors in Oklahoma. Healthcare providers who violate this law face potential felony charges and professional disciplinary action.
Supporters of the ban cite concerns about the long-term effects of gender transition treatments on minors, while opponents argue that the law infringes on personal freedoms and medical decisions.
This development raises important questions about the balance between state authority and individual rights in matters of healthcare for minors. As the legal landscape continues to evolve, it will be crucial for citizens to stay informed on these complex and consequential issues.
