An appeals court has temporarily allowed Florida to enforce restrictions on gender-affirming care for transgender individuals, including puberty blockers and hormone therapy.
The ruling, issued by a panel of the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, effectively reverses a previous injunction that had blocked the restrictions.
The law, passed in 2023, prevents minors from starting puberty blockers or hormone therapy and restricts access to such treatments for adults. It also limits the providers who can prescribe hormone therapy and prohibits telehealth for new prescriptions.
Read: Ex-Florida Deputy Arrested For Manslaughter In Shooting Of Airman
The appeals court’s decision, while temporary, signifies a victory for Governor Ron DeSantis’ administration, which has long opposed gender-affirming care, particularly for minors. The court argued that the state would suffer harm if it couldn’t enforce the restrictions.
However, the decision has been met with strong opposition from LGBTQ+ advocacy groups and healthcare providers, who argue that the restrictions deny transgender individuals access to life-saving care. The ruling is expected to be further challenged in court.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Android Users: Download our free app to stay up-to-date on the latest news.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.