Texas Court Upholds Ban on Gender-Affirming Care

metroweekly.com:

writing on behalf of the 8-1 majority, found that while “fit parents” have a right to raise their children without government interference, that right is not absolute.The ban on gender-affirming care was approved by Texas lawmakers on a largely party-line vote, with Republicans pushing for the restrictions.Under the law, doctors are prohibited from prescribing puberty blockers and hormone therapy to youth suffering from gender dysphoria.

Doctors who violate the law are subject to disciplinary action and will have their medical license revoked by the Texas Medical Board.

Five families with transgender youth and three medical professionals filed a lawsuit last year to challenge the law, claiming it infringes on parents’ right to make decisions about their children’s health, which is guaranteed by the state constitution.

They also claimed the ban violates doctors’ free speech rights and freedom to practice medicine, and is inherently discriminatory.A district court judge initially blocked the law from taking effect, ruling that it impeded parental rights.