United States v. Skrmetti
Lower Court: Sixth Circuit • Last updated: February 15, 2025
Plain-Language Summary
The Court upheld Tennessee's ban on gender-affirming medical treatments for transgender minors, ruling that the law does not discriminate based on sex under the Equal Protection Clause. The majority found that because the law applies equally to all minors regardless of their biological sex, it does not trigger heightened constitutional scrutiny.
The Biden administration had argued the law discriminates because it allows the same treatments (such as puberty blockers and hormones) for other conditions but bans them for gender transition. The dissenters agreed, arguing the law treats identical medical treatments differently based on sex.
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Why This Matters
This is the first time the Supreme Court ruled on the constitutionality of state bans on gender-affirming care for minors. The decision allows similar laws in over 20 states to remain in effect and will likely encourage additional states to pass similar restrictions. It's a major ruling in the ongoing national debate over transgender rights and healthcare.