Federal Judge Freezes Florida Ban On Transgender Treatment for Minors

A federal judge has temporarily blocked a Florida law banning gender-affirming healthcare for transgender minors.

U.S. District Court Judge Robert Hinkle, a Clinton appointee, issued a preliminary injunction on Tuesday against enforcing the ban — which Gov. Ron DeSantis signed into law last month — while a legal challenge plays out.

The lawsuit was filed by the parents of three transgender children who were unable to receive puberty-blocking drugs because of the law.

"The elephant in the room should be noted at the outset. Gender identity is real. The record makes this clear," Hinkle wrote. "The medical defendants, speaking through their attorneys, have admitted it. At least one defense expert also has admitted it."

The judge, who called the ban "purposeful discrimination," said that the plaintiffs challenging the law "are likely to prevail on their claim that the prohibition is constitutional."

Lawyers for the plaintiffs praised the decision. "Today’s ruling is a powerful affirmation of the humanity of transgender people, the efficacy of well-established, science-based medical care, and of the rights of parents to make informed healthcare decisions for their children," they said in a statement.

The injunction does not affect provisions of the law banning gender transition surgery for minors or defining gender-affirming care for kids as child abuse.

"DeSantis's office characterize extremely limited in scope. "In this case, a single judge has decided that puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones should be made available to three young children. Florida's law otherwise remains in effect," DeSantis' office said in a statement. "We obviously disagree with the judge's ruling."

Florida is one of 19 states that have banned gender-affirming care for minors, amid a broader wave of anti-trans legislation nationwide. Lawmakers in statehouses have introduced more than 400 anti-trans bills this year, according to a Washington Post analysis.