UPDATE June 17, 2023):
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (ADAMS) – A federal judge is blocking Indiana’s ban on gender-affirming healthcare from taking effect.
The ban would have barred healthcare providers from giving gender-affirming care to anyone under the age of 18.
Republican Governor Eric Holcomb said the legislation was difficult to understand, calling it “clear as mud” before signing it into law one day later.
The ban, which would have taken effect July 1st, was halted by a preliminary injunction from Judge James Hanlon. The state of Indiana is currently being sued by the ACLU, who claim the ban violates the Medicaid Act, the Affordable Care Act, and the U.S. Constitution.
Read more here
Indiana Senate Democrats applauded the judge for temporarily blocking the law.
Senate Assistant Democratic Leader Shelli Yoder (D-Bloomington) issued the following statement:
“I’m extremely grateful and overjoyed that a federal judge today ruled in favor of protecting Indiana kids, listening to experts and ensuring access to vital healthcare,” Sen. Yoder said. “Gender-affirming care is healthcare, and it’s so important that parents are not blocked by the government from accessing treatments and support that are both essential to the wellbeing of Hoosier kids and also life-saving. While this is just a preliminary injunction, it’s absolutely a victory for the young people who will have access to the care they need as the court deliberates this issue. I’m hopeful that SEA 480 will ultimately be struck down in full, because we know it’s a harmful law that attempts to punish and erase groups that the Republican supermajority continues to carry out a personal vendetta against. Our job as legislators is not to push policies that score political points to the detriment of residents but to support the life, liberty and well-being of all Hoosiers. This injunction ensures Indiana is doing what the Legislature should be doing: protecting minors and supporting happy, long lives for our kids.”
ORIGINAL STORY:
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (ADAMS) – A federal judge is weighing an injunction to temporarily block a ban on transgender health care for children in the state.
The ACLU of Indiana urged Judge James Hanlon to issue the injunction to prevent the law from taking effect on July 1.
The Indiana Attorney General’s Office argued in favor of the new law. Hanlon says he will make a ruling as soon as possible.
Read more here
