Posted on by Randy Slovacek

Federal Judge Blocks Indiana Ban On Gender-Affirming Care

The governor of Indiana vetoed a bill that would have banned transgender girls from participating in school sports that align with their gender identity.

A federal judge blocked an Indiana law last Friday that bans gender-affirming care for transgender youth in the state.

The new law, scheduled to take effect July 1, would ban the use of puberty blockers and hormones for transgender minors.

The preliminary injunction was issued by U.S. District Court Judge James Patrick Hanlon. In his ruling, Hanlon wrote that the plaintiffs had “some likelihood of success” on their claims that the ban was unconstitutional.

The order from Judge Hanlon does allow the prohibition of gender-affirming surgeries to take effect.

Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb (R) signed the legislation into law on April 5. Almost immediately, the ACLU and its Indiana affiliate filed a lawsuit arguing the law violates the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment, which guarantees equal protection for all.

Ken Falk, ACLU of Indiana legal director, called the ruling a victory for trans youth in Indiana and added, “We won’t rest until this unconstitutional law is struck down for good.”

Indiana’s ban is the fifth to be blocked in federal court. To date, 19 states have banned gender-affirming care for trans youth.

Studies show that gender-affirming care can significantly lower the risk of depression and suicide for transgender youth.

Additionally, gender-affirming care for both adolescents and adults has been endorsed by the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Psychiatric Association, and many other professional organizations.