In Idaho, a federal judge temporarily blocked a state-wide ban on gender-affirming care for transgender minors, days before the law was set to take effect in the New Year. Sans this decision, this law would have fined medical professionals who provide care for transgender people under the age of 18 up to $5,000; and face a felony conviction resulting in up to 10 years imprisonment.
In his decision, District Court Judge B. Lynn Winmill stated that the ban violates the equal protection and due process clauses of the 14th Amendment, which serves to “protect disfavored minorities and preserve our fundamental rights from legislative overreach.”
“Transgender children should receive equal treatment under the law. Parents should have the right to make the most fundamental decisions about how to care for their children.”
Right wing Republican Idaho Gov. Brad Little signed the Vulnerable Child Protection Act into law in April. Initially set to take effect on January 1, 2024, it was supposed to make it illegal for doctors and practitioners to provide gender-affirming care to minors, including puberty blocking medications and surgeries.
Gender-affirming care helps any person transition from the gender they were assigned at birth to the gender by which they want to be known. This can include mental health therapy, puberty blockers, hormone therapy and surgeries.
