Federal Judge Halts Indiana Ban on Puberty Blockers for Transgender Minors

Indiana’s American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) sought a temporary injunction in its legal challenge against a new state law that would make it a felony for doctors to prescribe puberty blockers, hormones and other medications to minors who want to transition their gender. The judge’s ruling prevents the law, which was set to take effect on July 1, from being enforced until a full legal challenge can be heard. ACLU argues that the law would endanger transgender children and violate their constitutional rights. The decision comes amidst a growing national debate on the rights of transgender people, with several states passing laws recently that aim to restrict access to medical treatment and limit transgender people’s participation in school sports.