ACLU of Kentucky Files Motion to Challenge Ban on Essential Healthcare for Trans Youth

Louisville, Ky. – In a bold move to protect the rights of transgender youth, the ACLU of Kentucky, in collaboration with the National Center for Lesbian Rights and law firm Morgan Lewis & Bockius LLP, has filed a motion for preliminary injunctive relief against Section 4 of SB 150. This legislation, passed during the 2023 Kentucky General Assembly, imposes a ban on essential healthcare for trans youth. The motion, filed with a red “filed” stamp prominently displayed over the text, aims to halt the implementation of Section 4 before it goes into effect on June 29, 2023. The case, known as Doe v. Thornbury, challenges the constitutionality of the ban.

The ACLU of Kentucky argues that the ban on essential medical care for trans youth constitutes an egregious government overreach. By interfering with the personal medical decisions of trans youth and their healthcare providers, lawmakers are infringing upon the fundamental rights and freedoms of parents to direct the upbringing of their children.

Corey Shapiro, legal director for the ACLU of Kentucky, expressed the organization’s stance on the matter. “The families we represent from across the commonwealth should be able to begin or continue essential medical care for their children while our case plays out in the courts,” Shapiro stated. He further emphasized that the ban on medically necessary care for trans youth lacks scientific basis and contradicts the positions of reputable major medical organizations. Shapiro believes that the ban represents political attacks motivated by a fundamental opposition to transgender individuals being able to live openly, freely, and affirmed as their authentic selves.

Undeterred by the challenges ahead, the ACLU of Kentucky says it remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguard the civil liberties of all Kentuckians. The organization firmly asserts that legislators have no place in the personal medical decisions of individuals, and they will continue their fight for equal rights and equal protection under the law.

The motion for preliminary injunctive relief seeks to halt the implementation of Section 4 of SB 150 until the court can fully review the case against the state. The ACLU of Kentucky, joined by the National Center for Lesbian Rights and Morgan Lewis & Bockius LLP, will vigorously argue against the ban, highlighting its potential harm to transgender youth and the infringement upon parental rights.

As the legal battle commences, advocates and supporters of transgender rights are closely watching the developments in Doe v. Thornbury. The outcome of this case could have significant implications not only for Kentucky but also for the broader national conversation surrounding healthcare access for transgender youth.

With the filing of this motion, the ACLU of Kentucky sends a powerful message that the rights of transgender youth should be protected, and that discriminatory legislation should not impede their access to essential healthcare. The pursuit of justice for trans youth remains at the forefront of the ACLU’s agenda as they continue to champion equal rights for all members of the community.

DOCUMENTS

• 20230522_motion_for_pi.pdf
• john_doe_2_declaration.pdf
• john_doe_3_declaration.pdf
• kingery_declaration.pdf
• proposed_pi_order.pdf
• proposed_pi_0.pdf
• shumer_declaration.pdf
• jane_doe_1_declaration.pdf
• jane_doe_5_declaration.pdf
• janssen_declaration.pdf

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Graphic: ACLU of Kentucky motion for injunctive relief. (ACLU of KY)