Judge Blocks FL Ban On Trans Health Care For Some Children

TALLAHASSEE, FL — A federal judge on Tuesday issued a narrow ruling blocking portions of Florida's new law banning transgender minors from receiving puberty blockers, according to court documents.

Judge Robert Hinkle issued a preliminary injunction Tuesday allowing three transgender children whose families filed a lawsuit against the state to continue to receive treatment. In his ruling, Hinkle said that "gender identity is real" and the state of Florida has no rational basis for denying children treatment.

Hinkle's ruling focuses on the use of puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones. The lawsuit doesn't address other language that makes it difficult for adults to receive or continue gender-affirming care.

The bill banning gender-affirming health care for Florida minors was among a flurry of anti-LGBTQ+ bills signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis last month. SB 254 outlaws gender-affirming surgery and puberty blockers for minors, and it also grants Florida courts temporary emergency jurisdiction to intervene and halt procedures for out-of-state children, according to a news release.

Other signed bills targeted drag shows, restricted discussion of personal pronouns in schools, and forced people to use certain bathrooms.

DeSantis made anti-LGBTQ+ legislation a large part of his agenda as he prepared to announce his Republican presidential nomination.

In his ruling, Hinkle said banning treatment for minors ignores the risks associated with it.

According to a 2022 study by the National Institutes of Health, transgender children who are denied access to gender-affirming care experience an increased risk of depression, suicidal thoughts, anxiety, and gender dysphoria. Children also reported a feeling of decreased safety, according to the study.

In his ruling, Hinkle said the three children in the lawsuit would “suffer irreparable harm” if they couldn't begin puberty blockers, Hinkle said.

"The treatment will affect the patients themselves, nobody else, and will cause the defendants no harm,” Hinkle said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.