Latest news with #equalProtection
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Supreme Court throws out appellate rulings in favor of transgender people in 4 states
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court on Monday threw out appellate rulings in favor of transgender people in four states following the justices' recent decision upholding a Tennessee ban on certain medical treatment for transgender youths. But the justices took no action in cases from Arizona, Idaho and West Virginia involving the participation of transgender students on school sports teams. The court could say as soon as Thursday whether it will take up the issue in its next term. The high court ordered appellate judges to reexamine cases from Idaho, North Carolina, Oklahoma and West Virginia involving access to medical care and birth certificates. The action was unsurprising because the court had set the cases aside until after it decided the Tennessee case, as typically happens when the same legal issue is being considered. The rulings all included findings that the restrictions on transgender people imposed by the states violate the Constitution's equal protection clause. In the Tennessee case, the Supreme Court ruled that there was no constitutional violation in a state law prohibiting puberty blockers and hormone therapy to treat gender dysphoria in people younger than 18. The justices ordered the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond, Virginia, to review its decision that West Virginia's and North Carolina's refusal to cover certain health care for transgender people with government-sponsored insurance is discriminatory. The San Francisco-based 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals will get back a case from Idaho stemming from the state's ban on certain surgical procedures for Medicaid recipients. The 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver will review its ruling blocking an Oklahoma ban on people changing their gender on birth certificates. In one other case, from Kentucky, the justices rejected the appeal of transgender minors and their families challenging that state's ban on gender-affirming care. ___ Follow the AP's coverage of the U.S. Supreme Court at
Associated Press
30-06-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
Supreme Court throws out appellate rulings in favor of transgender people in 4 states
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court on Monday threw out appellate rulings in favor of transgender people in four states following the justices' recent decision upholding a Tennessee ban on certain medical treatment for transgender youths. But the justices took no action in cases from Arizona, Idaho and West Virginia involving the participation of transgender students on school sports teams. The court could say as soon as Thursday whether it will take up the issue in its next term. The high court ordered appellate judges to reexamine cases from Idaho, North Carolina, Oklahoma and West Virginia involving access to medical care and birth certificates. The action was unsurprising because the court had set the cases aside until after it decided the Tennessee case, as typically happens when the same legal issue is being considered. The rulings all included findings that the restrictions on transgender people imposed by the states violate the Constitution's equal protection clause. In the Tennessee case, the Supreme Court ruled that there was no constitutional violation in a state law prohibiting puberty blockers and hormone therapy to treat gender dysphoria in people younger than 18. The justices ordered the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond, Virginia, to review its decision that West Virginia's and North Carolina's refusal to cover certain health care for transgender people with government-sponsored insurance is discriminatory. The San Francisco-based 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals will get back a case from Idaho stemming from the state's ban on certain surgical procedures for Medicaid recipients. The 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver will review its ruling blocking an Oklahoma ban on people changing their gender on birth certificates. In one other case, from Kentucky, the justices rejected the appeal of transgender minors and their families challenging that state's ban on gender-affirming care. ___ Follow the AP's coverage of the U.S. Supreme Court at
BBC News
18-06-2025
- Health
- BBC News
US Supreme Court rules that states can ban transgender care for minors
The US Supreme Court has ruled that states may put limits on or even fully ban gender transition care for young justices voted 6 to 3 to decide that a Tennessee law that limited access to treatments such as puberty blockers for under-18s was not discrimination. Three Tennessee transgender teenagers, their parents, and a doctor who provides transition medications had argued the 2023 Tennessee ban violated a US constitutional guarantee of equal protection under the law by discriminating on the basis of case, known as United States v Skrmetti, marked the first time the court has taken up the issue of transgender healthcare. This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly. Please refresh the page for the fullest can receive Breaking News on a smartphone or tablet via the BBC News App. You can also follow @BBCBreaking on X to get the latest alerts.
Yahoo
08-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Bellingham crafting ordinance bolstering protections for marginalized residents
As conservatives across the nation move to end diversity in employment and limit the rights of immigrants, transgender people and other minority groups, the city of Bellingham is developing new protections for its marginalized community members. Councilwoman Hannah Stone has been drafting language for a citywide ordinance in response to several weeks of testimony from transgender residents and their supporters at recent City Council meetings. Trump targets WA state with 'sanctuary jurisdiction' list, and wants to withhold funds The City Council is scheduled to get its first glimpse of at least part of the proposed measure Monday, along with a chance to vote on a revised 2017 resolution that Stone is using to guide her efforts, according to the published agenda for the meeting at 7 p.m. Monday at City Hall, 210 Lottie St. 'Whereas, the City Council is considering adoption of an ordinance and creation of a chapter of the Bellingham Municipal Code relating to city policy regarding equal protection and provision of services regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression; and the above-mentioned ordinance is currently undergoing legal review and will be brought forward at a subsequent council meeting for review by the full council and the administration. The proposed ordinance relates specifically to city policy with respect to equal protection and provision of services regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression and the creation of a new chapter of the Bellingham Municipal Code regarding related LGBTQ+ matters.' Stone told The Herald that she is hoping the ordinance will be ready for the council's June 23 meeting. Stone has been working on the ordinance mostly by herself because state law prevents elected officials from discussing most legislation away from the public eye. Consideration of the revised resolution and a new ordinance stem from a campaign that began April 14 during the public comment section of City Council meetings, where anyone can speak on most any topic for three minutes. Speakers offered more than seven hours of deeply personal stories of pain and bigotry they face over three meetings in April and May. During the council's April 14 meeting, Cori Lovejoy of Bellingham described death threats made against her, her friends and family. 'What's happening nationally is emboldening this anti-trans movement and transphobia. I'd like to travel to Georgia to visit my sister. I'd like to go visit my friends in Utah. And I cant. I can't legally use the restrooms there,' she said. Selene Etheridge of Bellingham drafted a resolution to protect trans rights and has been soliciting support online through her website Trans Survival. 'This resolution is an opportunity, a beautiful moment in which we can affirm the sanctuary of Bellingham to a people in need,' Etheridge told the council on April 28. 'To be transgender is to be politicized. Now, more than ever, we are engaging in politics on local and federal levels, all while the queer community of Bellingham looks to leaders on our government who will look to their needs and stand in their defense. Passing this resolution would give notice to all transgender people living in fear that Bellingham is safer (and) more accepting.' During interviews with Herald reporters, Etheridge said that she pushed the council to act 'not for myself, but for people I saw as endangered. I feel privileged to live in a community that embraces and celebrates trans people.' Stone aims to strengthen Bellingham resolution 2017-10, which states the city 'will not turn our backs on immigrants, regardless of documentation status.' In addition, the 2017 measure advocates for gender equality, supports 'reproductive justice;' addresses workplace discrimination and violence against women; says the city will 'protect the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals' and that 'Black Lives Matter.' It also addresses climate change, hate speech and union rights, tribal rights, mental health and the criminal justice system. In a May 19 presentation to the council on her progress toward drafting the ordinance, Stone said that she was including elements of Etheridge's proposed trans sanctuary resolution, along with language from previous resolutions into a measure that has wider scope. 'I don't ever want to do something that is just to sort of check a box and say that we've done something and move forward,' Stone told her colleagues. 'If we're going to take on the work, I want that to be meaningfully done and something that would stand (the test of) time. If we pass a resolution and then don't take the next steps to take the action needed, then it's not nearly as meaningful or impactful for our community.' Stone praised Etheridge and other speakers who have addressed council members in support of the trans sanctuary proposal. 'Over the last couple of weeks, the stories that have been shared and the comments that have been shared have been very impactful and very compelling. I think it's been eye-opening for the community at large,' Stone said. Spokane and Olympia have approved similar measures. Franklin County rejected a sanctuary ordinance, although it was mostly aimed at protecting immigrants. City Council declares Olympia the state's first sanctuary city for trans and queer people City of Tacoma affirms support for immigrants, LGBTQ+ people. Are resolutions enough? Franklin rejects 'sanctuary' listing, urges rest of Eastern WA to do the same In a phone call, City Council President Hollie Huthman said it was time to stand up for the city's most vulnerable residents. 'There's a little bit more of an appetite for making sure that we are upholding not only our values but being loud and proud about them. We're continuing to have conversations with our trans community members (but) we're past the point of needing to be convinced,' she told The Herald. Michelle Harmeier of the Bellingham Queer Collective told The Herald that Etheridge and others have brought a humanity to their efforts. 'They're doing a really beautiful job, approaching it with kindness and sincerity. You have to confront it, otherwise you are complicit,' Harmeier said.
Reuters
03-06-2025
- General
- Reuters
DOJ: California could be sued over participation of trans athletes
June 3 - California's public school system could face legal issues if it continues to permit transgender athletes to take part in girls' athletic competitions. The Athletic reported Tuesday that Harmeet K. Dhillon, an assistant attorney general in the Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division, said in a letter that allowing trans athletes to compete violates the 14th Amendment to the Constitution. That amendment guarantees equal protection. The letter was sent to the California Interscholastic Federation, the governing body of school sports, and said there could be legal repercussions. A CIF bylaw allows trans athletes to compete with girls, regardless of the gender listed on a student's academic record. The issue drew more attention over the weekend when transgender girl AB Hernandez, competing in the state championship, won the high jump and triple jump and finished second in the long jump. President Donald Trump has made keeping transgender females out of competitions for girls and women a goal of his second administration. Last week, after Trump threatened to withhold federal funding from the state over the issue, the California Department of Education unveiled a plan that said any biological female who lost a spot on the podium with the top three also would be awarded a medal for that place if beaten out by a transgender athlete. And the state was true to its word. Girls who dropped a place due to Hernandez's inclusion in the competition stood beside her on the podium, sharing the honor. The department said it would send further information to schools this week. The Department of Justice wants the CIF to do away its bylaw provision allowing trans athletes to compete. On Truth Social last week, Trump threatened "large scale fines" for the state. --Field Level Media
