NCYL stands with trans youth and remains committed to supporting them, even if Supreme Court won't
Today's ruling in Skrmetti case sends troubling message, but fight isn't over and trans youth aren't alone
Today’s Supreme Court decision in U.S. v. Skrmetti fails trans youth and their families, forcing many into uncertainty and powerlessness to access care and support. The Skrmetti challenge was brought by three transgender youth, their families and a Memphis-based medical provider against a Tennessee law that bans certain gender-affirming care for youth. While the Supreme Court majority failed to protect families' freedoms and ultimately sided with the unjust Tennessee law, this fight isn't over — and young transgender people are not in this fight alone.
The National Center for Youth Law remains committed to standing up for transgender young people's rights so that all young people are able to safely express their sexual orientation and gender identity. Identity-affirming services help youth grow and thrive into adulthood, and all youth deserve the opportunity to thrive. Today's decision is a painful setback, but it will not deter our efforts to fight against political extremists who continue to target transgender people's humanity, safety and dignity.
"This decision will cause outsized harm to children who already experience structural barriers to healthcare, resources and support," said Kamala Buchanan-Williams, NCYL Attorney and Advocate. "Particularly discouraging is the justices' lack of appreciation for the devastating impact their decision will have on the wellbeing of trans youth. Access to gender-affirming care empowers many trans youth to be themselves and thrive as full members of their communities. It's vital that courts understand the full experiences and humanity of trans youth, and take their voices and experiences into account."
While the Supreme Court’s decision today means that Tennessee's SB1 can remain in effect, the decision is based on the record in and context of the Tennessee case and therefore does not extend to other cases concerning discrimination based on transgender status.
The Supreme Court's majority opinion references case law and medical and political discourse, but the voices of trans people — and particularly trans youth — are conspicuously absent. These youth and their families deserve to be heard.
While today's decision is distressing on many levels, there remain powerful tools to fight against politicized, hateful, or violent attacks on transgender young people. Targeting individuals and groups based on animus violates the U.S. Constitution's Equal Protection Clause, as well as explicit constitutional and statutory protections in many states.
"All young people deserve dignity and respect and the power to shape their futures," said Shakti Belway, NCYL Executive Director. "The Supreme Court’s decision is part of an appalling effort to dehumanize transgender youth. NCYL stands with transgender youth, sees their humanity, and honors their lived experiences and ability to determine what’s best for themselves. We must reject hate and chart a better future forward."
