TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Federal judge hearing the case Challenging ban on transgender medical care for minors The restrictions for adults came after Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday pointed out that he has repeatedly spread false information that doctors are mutilating children's genitals, even though no such cases have been documented. did.
Judge Robert Hinkle said the law was touted as protecting transgender children from mutilation, when in reality it was intended to prevent them from receiving medical care. said state attorney Mohammad Jazir.
“What should we make of these statements when analyzing the governor's motives?” Hinkle asked. “This doesn't seem like just an exaggeration.”
Hinkle said he plans to rule in the new year on whether Congress, the Department of Health and presidential candidate DeSantis intentionally targeted transgender people through the new law. He expressed some skepticism about the state's motives as his lawyers made their closing arguments.
Court challenges Florida's ban Mr. DeSantis had touted a bill that would address medical care for transgender children, including hormone therapy and puberty-blocking drugs, in his bid to become president. The law also places restrictions on adult transgender care.
Jazir said the motivation behind the law is simply public safety in areas where more oversight is needed and could have lasting effects.
“It's about treating a medical condition. It's not about targeting transgender individuals,” Jazir said.
Jazir added that if the state was targeting transgender people, it could have banned all treatment for adults and children. Hinkle quickly responded that Jazir would have difficulty upholding such a law.
Hinkle, who was appointed by former President Bill Clinton, temporarily obstructed law enforcement Since it concerns a minor, it is pending the outcome of the court case. The lawsuit also challenges restrictions placed on adult transgender care. It is allowed to take effect during the trial.
At least 22 states currently have laws restricting or prohibiting gender-affirming medical care for transgender minors, and many of those states are facing lawsuits. In Arkansas, the court issued the first mixed law in the nation. rejected by a federal judge It said the care ban violates the due process rights of transgender youth and their families.
Two states other than Florida have blocked enforcement, and seven others currently allow enforcement or plan to enact it soon.
Thomas Redburn, an attorney who represents families of trans adults and trans children, said DeSantis and Congress are showing a pattern of targeting transgender people. He cited other recent legislation impacting the community, including restricting the use of pronouns in schools, teaching gender identity in schools, restricting public restrooms, and banning transgender girls from playing girls' sports. .
