Supreme Court Upholds Tennessee Law Restricting Gender-Affirming Care for Minors

In a landmark decision, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Tennessee’s law restricting gender-affirming medical interventions for minors does not violate the 14th Amendment’s equal protection clause. The case, United States v. Skrmetti, centered on Tennessee’s SB1, which prohibits the use of puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and surgeries for minors except in cases of medical necessity, such as congenital defects or injuries.
A group of minors and their parents challenged the law, arguing it discriminated based on gender identity. The Biden administration also opposed the law. However, the Court rejected these claims, with Chief Justice John Roberts delivering the 6-3 majority opinion. Roberts emphasized that SB1 does not classify based on sex but rather regulates medical treatments for minors. He noted that the law applies to all minors, regardless of gender, and focuses on medical conditions, not gender identity.
The decision aligns with the Court’s role in resolving legal, not scientific or policy, disputes. Roberts highlighted the ongoing debates over the efficacy and risks of gender-affirming care for minors, citing reversals by European countries that had previously supported such treatments. The ruling leaves unresolved the question of parental rights to seek such interventions for their children, which may arise in future cases.
This decision underscores the Court’s commitment to avoiding politically charged issues and allowing elected officials to address contentious policy matters.

Published: 6/19/2025