DOJ Sues Tennessee To Reverse Ban On Trans Treatments For Minors

Department of Justice Sues Tennessee Over Ban on Transgender Treatments for Minors

The Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against Tennessee for its law that prohibits transgender hormone treatments and surgeries for minors. The DOJ claims that the ban violates the Equal Protection Clause and discriminates against transgender youth diagnosed with gender dysphoria. The law blocks sex-change treatments for them while allowing non-transgender minors access to the same procedures.

Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke, who leads the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division, stated that denying necessary medical care to individuals because of their transgender status is unacceptable. The right to consider medically-approved treatment options with family and doctors is a right that everyone should have, including transgender children who are vulnerable to serious risks of depression, anxiety, and suicide. The DOJ will continue to challenge all forms of discrimination and unlawful barriers faced by the LGBTQI+ community.

The law, signed by Tennessee Republican Governor Bill Lee in March, will take effect on July 1. It will prohibit doctors from giving patients puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and transgender surgery if they are under 18. The bill received bipartisan support in the state legislature.

State Ban on Sexually Explicit Drag Shows

In addition to the law banning sex-change treatments and procedures, Governor Lee also signed the first state ban on holding sexually explicit drag shows in public or in an area where children could see them. Violators would be charged with a misdemeanor, while repeat offenders may face a felony charge. The bill defines an “adult cabaret performance” to mean a performance in a location other than an adult cabaret that features topless dancers, go-go dancers, exotic dancers, strippers, male or female impersonators who provide entertainment that appeals to prurient interest, or similar entertainers, regardless of whether or not performed for consideration.

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This is a developing story; stay tuned for updates.