The Texas Supreme Court has upheld the state’s ban on gender-affirming medical care for transgender minors, making Texas the largest state to implement such legislation. The 8-1 ruling, delivered by an all-Republican court, maintains a law that has been in effect since September 1, 2023.
The Texas law prohibits transgender individuals under 18 from accessing hormone therapies, puberty blockers, and transition surgeries. Children who had already started these treatments were required to gradually discontinue their use under medical supervision.
Gender-supportive care for trans youth governance
The Texas Supreme Court ruled that Senate Bill 14 could become law on Friday. It came into force in September 2023, making it illegal to provide hormone therapy, puberty blockers and transition surgery to anyone under the age of 18.
Austin, Texas – The Texas Supreme Court ruled that Senate Bill 14 could become law on Friday.
It came into effect in September 2023, making it illegal to provide hormone therapy, puberty blockers and transition surgery to anyone under the age of 18.
It is also necessary for children already on medications to begin weaning off prescriptions.
“We are obviously pleased that the Texas Supreme Court agrees with the Legislature that doctors cannot disrupt or destroy children’s healthy bodies,” said Jonathan Covey, policy director of Texas Values.
Senate bill bans transgender healthcare for children back in committee
Senate Bill 14, which would ban gender-affirming care for Texans under 18, was back up for debate in the Capitol today. Now, the legislation is back in committee.
Texas Values wrote an amicus brief to the court in favor of upholding SB 14.
“The state has the right to protect and protect children from decisions that clearly endanger their health and safety,” Covey said.
The lone dissenting judge in the case is dissenting.
“The state’s express statutory prohibition prevents these parents and many others from consulting with their physicians to develop individualized treatment plans for their children, even children whose treatment could save lives,” Justice Debra Lehrman said in her dissenting opinion. “The law is not only cruel — it is unconstitutional.”
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“I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t an unexpected outcome, but it’s still very disappointing, and I feel so sad for the families of trans youth who were hoping for some relief today who won’t get that relief. LGBTQIA+ Rights at the ACLU of Texas said Ash Hall, policy and advocacy strategist at
Hall adds that the ruling will have a huge impact on Texas families.
The Williams Institute at the UCLA School of Law estimates that approximately 30,000 Texas teenagers identify as transgender.
“It sends a really terrible message that there’s no support for them here and that’s not true,” Hall said. “In the meantime, we’re going to make sure families here know their rights and trans youth know they’re loved and supported by the vast majority of Texans.”
In early May, the Austin City Council announced safeguards for transgender children in the city. It recommends that city funds not be used to investigate transgender health care and calls on police to make law enforcement its lowest priority.