A federal judge struck down an Arkansas law Tuesday that would have banned transition-related medical care for transgender minors, declaring it unconstitutional.
U.S. District Judge James Moody Jr. of the Eastern District of Arkansas overturned and permanently blocked the law from taking effect, writing that it violates the First Amendment and the equal protection and due process clauses of the 14th Amendment.
“Rather than protecting children or safeguarding medical ethics, the evidence showed that the prohibited medical care improves the mental health and well-being of patients and that, by prohibiting it, the State undermined the interests it claims to be advancing,” Moody wrote.
The case was the first filed against a ban on gender-affirming ban, and the decision marks the first time a judge has permanently overturned a ban on gender-affirming care. Judges in other states facing similar lawsuits have issued temporary injunctions.
Though Moody’s decision applies only to Arkansas, it could have ripple effects across the country as similar restrictions have become law in 19 other states and even more states have considered them.
more:
http://www.nbcnews.com/nbc-out/out-politics-and-policy/judge-strikes-arkansas-ban-transition-care-minors-rcna90272?
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