Judge Hinkle Issues Preliminary Injunction to Block Florida Law Banning Transgender Minors from Receiving Puberty Blockers

On Tuesday, June 6th, a federal judge temporarily blocked portions of a new Florida law that bans transgender minors from receiving puberty blockers. Judge Robert Hinkle issued a preliminary injunction, allowing three transgender children to continue receiving treatment.

The lawsuit challenges the law Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis signed shortly before he announced a run for president. In his ruling, Judge Hinkle said the state had no rational basis for denying patients treatment and that even a witness for the state agreed.

Transgender medical treatment for minors is increasingly under attack in many states and has been subject to restrictions or outright bans. In Florida, the law bans doctors from providing hormone therapy or puberty blockers to minors under the age of 18.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Florida, which filed the lawsuit on behalf of the three transgender minors, praised the ruling. “This law is cruel and it is wrong,” said Kara Gross, the organization’s legislative director. “We are pleased that the court recognized the harms this law would cause and blocked it from taking effect.”

The ruling is a victory for transgender rights advocates, who have been fighting for access to medical treatment for transgender minors. The case is ongoing, and the court will continue to hear arguments in the coming weeks.