As cases involving Alabama’s restrictions on gender-affirming treatment for adolescents move closer to the U.S. Supreme Court, a federal judge declined on Tuesday to put the case on hold.
A request from the U.S. Department of Justice to postpone the Alabama case until appellate judges decide whether to hear related petitions on whether states may adopt such bans was denied by United States District Judge Liles Burke. Because “this extraordinary legal environment is rapidly evolving,” the Justice Department requested the stay.
Burke stated that the case may proceed for the time being. If those requests are approved, he said a stay may be necessary in the future.
An appellate court ruling that allowed restrictions in Kentucky and Tennessee to remain in effect has been appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court by trans young people and their families. Families with trans children in the Alabama case have petitioned the entire 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to review a ruling that would allow the law to go into effect in Alabama.
The Alabama case is expected to be tried in April.
Laws prohibiting or restricting gender-affirming treatment for adolescents have been passed by at least 22 states, and the majority of the restrictions are being challenged in court.
According to the Alabama restrictions, it is illegal for physicians to administer puberty blockers or hormones to patients under the age of 19 in order to support or affirm a new gender identity. This can result in up to 10 years in prison. Until the 11th Circuit’s appeals court issues a decision in the case, the law is still prohibited by a lawsuit.
