Florida has filed a motion with the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals seeking to reinstate restrictions on transgender treatments while a legal battle continues.
The state argues that allowing its laws to stand pending the appeal is in the best interest of its citizens, citing concerns about the safety and effectiveness of these treatments.
The state’s motion challenges a ruling by U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle, who last month declared a 2023 Florida law and regulations unconstitutionally discriminatory. These restrictions banned puberty blockers and hormone therapy for minors with gender dysphoria and made access to care more difficult for transgender adults.
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The state argues that the regulation of gender-dysphoria treatments falls within its purview and cites a previous ruling by the 11th Circuit in a similar Alabama case.
Judge Hinkle’s ruling, on the other hand, emphasized that gender identity is real and likened opposition to transgender people to racism and misogyny. He maintained that while the state can regulate treatments, it cannot deny transgender individuals safe and effective medical care.
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The outcome of this appeal will significantly impact access to transgender healthcare in Florida and potentially set a precedent for similar cases in other states.
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