Supreme Court hears arguments on banning medical treatments for transgender minors [Video]

The Supreme Court is considering whether a ban on medical treatments for transgender youth violates the Constitution. The case centers on Tennessee’s law but could have national implications. Roughly half of states have passed similar measures limiting gender-affirming care for minors. There were competing rallies outside of the Supreme Court on Wednesday as the conservative-leaning bench heard more than two hours of arguments. Tennessee Solicitor General Matt Rice said the state’s law, which bans treatments like puberty blockers and hormone therapy, is intended to protect minors from “risky, unproven medical interventions.” “Its application turns entirely on medical purposes, not a patient’s sex. That is not sex discrimination,” Rice said.Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar, who argued on behalf of the Biden administration, said the law violates the 14th Amendment’s equal protection clause because it prohibits access to treatment depending on a patient’s sex.“The law restricts medical care only when provided to induce …