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A federal judge on Wednesday temporarily blocked an Arkansas law that would have barred state doctors from providing transition-related health care – such as hormones and puberty blockers – to transgender minors.
The American Civil Liberties Union filed a lawsuit against the law in May on behalf of four trans youth and their parents, as well as two gender-affirming health care providers, arguing it violates the U.S. Constitution.
Supporters of the law argue that transitional health care is “experimental” and transgender minors are too young to receive care.
The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas heard arguments in the case on Wednesday morning, upholding the ACLU’s request for a preliminary injunction against the law, which was due to come into effect next week.
Holly Dickson, executive director of the ACLU of Arkansas, said in a statement that the decision “sends a clear message to states across the country that gender-affirming care is life-saving care, and we will not let the politicians in Arkansas – or anywhere else – take it away. “
“Today’s victory is a testament to the trans youth of Arkansas and its allies, who have never given up on the fight to protect access to gender-based care and who will continue to defend the rights of all trans people to be genuine themselves, free from discrimination, ”she said. “We will not rest until this cruel and unconstitutional law is permanently overturned. ”
This is a developing story. Please check for updates.
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