Appeals court allows Alabama to enforce minor gender treatment ban

The 11th Circuit court of Appeals on Thursday granted Alabama's request to stay a preliminary injunction against the state's ban on gender-related treatments for minors.

The ban prevented physicians from prescribing puberty blockers or hormones to persons under the age of 19 and was first blocked at the District Court level in 2022, The Hill reported. A panel of the 11th Circuit in August of last year reversed the District Court decision, though Alabama attorneys requested an end to the stay in November.

"The physical and psychological safety of our children can now be better protected from these untested and life-altering chemical and surgical procedures through the implementation of the Alabama Vulnerable Child Compassion and Protection Act," Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall said in a statement. "This is a significant victory for our country, for children, and for common sense."

The ban still faces legal challenges, including a scheduled August trial on its constitutionality and a request by families challenging it to rehear their arguments.

At least 21 states have banned most gender-related treatments for minors, according to the pro-LGBT Movement Advancement Project. A further two have banned gender surgeries but not other treatments.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter.