Federal Court Of Appeals Panel Allows Florida's Ban On Healthcare For Transgender Floridians To Take Effect While Legal Challenge Continues

Equality Florida's Response:

A federal court of appeals panel has ruled that Florida’s cruel ban on life-saving healthcare for transgender youth and restrictions for transgender adults can be enforced while the lawsuit continues through the legal process. What does this mean? Florida’s discriminatory SB 254 is back in full effect. This is deeply disappointing and puts the lives of transgender Floridians at risk.

Federal Judge Hinkle was clear in his ruling earlier this summer that initially blocked SB 254, recognizing the overt anti-trans hostility behind this law and stating, “Transgender opponents are of course free to hold their beliefs. But they are not free to discriminate against transgender individuals just for being transgender.” And just last week, Florida voters sent a message to DeSantis that they’re tired of the culture wars, weird obsessions, and anti-LGBTQ attacks. Enough is enough. It’s time for DeSantis to end his failed agenda of government intrusion and control that robs us of the right to make healthcare decisions for ourselves and our children.

To every transgender Floridian, the fight is not over. We won’t stop until you have the medical freedom you deserve and a Florida that treats you with dignity and respect.

We’re incredibly grateful to the plaintiffs and legal partners at the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR), Southern Legal Counsel, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders, and Lowenstein Sandler LLP for their tireless work to help restore the right to healthcare for transgender Floridians.