Indiana Republicans scored a big win on Tuesday after the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that its ban on “gender-affirming care” for minors could go into effect immediately. The law was originally passed in 2023 but was held up by a challenge from the ACLU of Indiana. A lower court put an injunction in place, stopping the law from being enforced.
Nine months later, that has been lifted, putting in place a ban on gender-transition surgeries, hormone treatments, and puberty blockers, all of which can cause permanent damage to a child’s body.
An Indiana bill banning gender-affirming care for minors that was originally passed in 2023 can now go into effect immediately, a court ruled Tuesday.
The US Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals issued a stay on Tuesday that lifted an injunction from a lower court. The injunction, which was granted in June 2023, blocked a passed bill that banned gender-affirming care for Hoosiers under the age of 18.
The ACLU responded by pledging to continue its legal battle against the law.
BREAKING: The Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals is allowing Indiana’s ban on gender-affirming care for trans youth to take effect immediately.
— ACLU of Indiana (@ACLUIndiana) February 27, 2024
This ruling is beyond disappointing and a heartbreaking development for thousands of trans youth, their doctors, and their families.
The battle over transgender ideology and children has become a focal point in politics, with many arguing that altering the bodies of children instead of pursuing non-invasive treatments like therapy is causing far more harm than good. The medical establishment has largely gotten behind the idea of “affirmation,” only leaving room for “care” that comports with that ideology. That has caused tension between parents and what was once one of America’s most trusted institutions.
On that front, state-level Republicans have stepped up to the plate to offer those parents a voice. Indiana is one of several states, including Florida and Texas (Ohio failed to do so), that have banned “gender-affirming care” for minors despite national outrage from the Democratic Party. Right now, there’s a glaring contrast between the GOP’s effectiveness at the state and federal levels, leaving national Republicans scrambling for wins that just aren’t being delivered.
In the end, one of these cases is likely to end up in front of the Supreme Court. That would not be a hospitable environment for the ACLU or any other organization that chooses to push the issue.
