Judge: DeSantis Promoted Falsehoods in Advocating Trans Health Care Ban

Federal Judge Questions Motivation Behind Florida’s Transgender Health Care Ban

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — In a federal court hearing challenging the ban on transgender health care for minors and restrictions for adults, a judge raised concerns about false information spread by Republican Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. Despite the lack of documented cases, DeSantis repeatedly claimed that doctors were mutilating children’s genitals. The law, which was presented as a measure to protect children, is actually aimed at preventing transgender minors from receiving necessary health care.

Judge Robert Hinkle, addressing Mohammad Jazil, a lawyer for the state, questioned the governor’s motivation behind these statements. He remarked, “This seems to be more than just hyperbole.” Hinkle indicated that he will issue a ruling in the coming year to determine whether the Legislature, the Department of Health, and presidential candidate DeSantis intentionally targeted transgender individuals through this law. As lawyers presented their closing arguments, Hinkle expressed skepticism about the state’s true intentions.

The trial specifically challenges Florida’s ban on medical treatment for transgender children, such as hormone therapy or puberty blockers. This law, championed by DeSantis during his presidential campaign, also imposes restrictions on adult transgender care. Jazil argued that the law was driven by the need for public safety in an area requiring increased oversight due to its potential long-term consequences.

“It’s about treating a medical condition; it’s not about targeting transgender individuals,” Jazil asserted. He further contended that if the state had indeed targeted transgender people, it could have banned all treatment for both adults and children. Hinkle countered, suggesting that defending such a law would be a challenging task.

Hinkle, appointed by former President Bill Clinton, has temporarily blocked the enforcement of the law concerning minors until the trial concludes. The lawsuit also challenges the restrictions placed on adult transgender care, which have remained in effect during the trial. The issue of gender-affirming medical care for transgender minors has become a contentious one, with at least 22 states enacting laws that either restrict or ban such treatments. Consequently, numerous states are facing legal challenges, and court rulings have been inconsistent. Arkansas’ ban on care was recently struck down by a federal judge who deemed it a violation of the due process rights of transgender youth and their families.

While enforcement of similar laws is blocked in two states besides Florida, seven other states either currently allow or are preparing to enforce such restrictions. Thomas Redburn, a lawyer representing transgender adults and families of transgender children, argued that a pattern of targeting transgender individuals has emerged from DeSantis and the Legislature. Redburn cited other recent laws affecting the community, including restrictions on pronoun use and gender identification in schools, limitations on public bathroom access, and the exclusion of transgender girls from participating in girls’ sports.

As the trial progresses, the future of transgender health care in Florida remains uncertain. Judge Hinkle’s ruling, expected in the new year, will determine the fate of this controversial law and its implications for the transgender community.