Advocates Cheer Injunction Preserving Right to Gender-Affirming Care

Attorney General quickly files appeal

A group of pastors affiliated with the Southern Christian Coalition today celebrated a decision by a federal judge that stops the state of Tennessee from enforcing a recently passed ban on gender-affirming healthcare for individuals under the age of 18.

The preliminary injunction means the state cannot enforce the ban while a pending legal challenge to the law is considered.

Rev. Josh Scott, Lead Pastor of GracePointe Church in Nashville, said, "Today I celebrate the temporary injunction on the ban on gender affirming care for youth. While there is more legal action that must happen, this is indeed good news after a legislative session full of what many of us have called the 'slate of hate' with the focus of the legislative session being policy that harms the transgender community."

Rev. Ann Bassett, Pastor of Peace Lutheran Church in Spring Hill, said, "I'm so grateful for the temporary injunction against the ban on gender affirming care for youth and so upset about the TN Attorney General demanding private medical records from patients at Vanderbilt's transgender youth clinic. One thing I value about America is that our constitution values our freedom to be ourselves.  I'm inspired by the young people across time, race and movements, who have fought for equality and have helped lead the way. I'm grateful for the young people I have seen speak publicly in support of our transgender community members."

Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti, whose office is arguing to keep the law intact, immediately filed a motion to reverse the injunction and notified the court that he will appeal the decision to the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Photo byRobert LinderonUnsplash