The Department of Justice sued the state of Tennessee on Wednesday for failing to send transgender minors for hormone treatment or gender confirmation surgery.
The Department of Justice has issued a statement saying that Tennessee’s restriction on sex change procedures for minors violates the Equal Protection Clause of the Constitution. It is discriminatory to refuse “transgender youth” (youth who identify as male or female but are experiencing gender dysphoria) access to sex-change therapy “while allowing non-transgender minors access to the same or similar procedures.”
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke, who oversees the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division, has said, “No one should be denied access to necessary medical care just because they are transgender.” One’s loved ones and caregivers have a right to know the full truth about one’s health and legal condition. The increased risk of mental illness and suicide among transgender youth makes this an important concern. The Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice will continue its vigorous crusade against discrimination and unlawful barriers faced by the LGBTQI+ community.
Tennessee’s Republican governor, Bill Lee, spoke out against the Justice Department under President Joe Biden in an interview with The Daily Wire. He added, “Tennessee is dedicated to protecting minors from making such decisions,” when asked if the state was serious about keeping kids from making “lasting, life-changing decisions.” We will be taking legal action alongside Attorney General Skrmetti to shield children from this extreme example of government overreach.
Even though Lee signed this into law in March, it won’t take effect until July of that year. After July 1, it will be prohibited to utilize puberty suppressants, cross-sex drugs, or perform transgender surgery on minors. Both Democrats and Republicans voted in favor of the bill in the state legislature.
Later, House Minority Leader William Lamberth, a Republican, remarked, “These children don’t need these medical procedures to be successful as adults.” Immediately, they require psychological assistance. They require protection and nurturing to develop into the persons God envisions for them.
Along with the ban on sex exchange, Lee also signed the first state law prohibiting the presentation of sexually explicit drag shows in public or at school. There would be little to no ramifications if you broke the law. If they continue to break the law, they may face legal consequences.
Bill summary: “The bill defines a ‘adult cabaret performance’ as a performance in a place other than an adult cabaret that features topless dancers, go-go dancers, exotic dancers, strippers, male or female impersonators who provide entertainment that appeals to prurient interest, or other similar entertainers, whether or not they are paid.”