Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti has submitted a response brief to the United States Supreme Court, defending a state law that prohibits gender transition procedures for minors. The law, known as Senate Bill 1, was enacted by Tennessee lawmakers with the intention of protecting children from what they describe as "irreversible, unproven medical procedures."
Attorney General Skrmetti stated, "The people of Tennessee, through their elected representatives, took measured action with Senate Bill 1 to protect kids from irreversible, unproven medical procedures." He emphasized that lawmakers acted due to the lack of credible evidence supporting these procedures and noted that several European countries have also restricted such treatments for minors.
Historically, states have had the authority to regulate medical practices within their borders. This includes licensing doctors and controlling the administration of drugs. By passing Senate Bill 1, Tennessee joined 23 other states in restricting pharmaceutical and surgical interventions for gender transitions in individuals under 18 years old.
Skrmetti criticized the federal government's position in its arguments to the Supreme Court. He said it relies on "a false and manufactured consensus" that overlooks dissenting opinions from various doctors, states, and countries. He added, "The Constitution does not prevent the States from regulating the practice of medicine where hot-button social issues are concerned."
Skrmetti concluded by affirming that those who oppose restrictions on pediatric gender transition procedures can seek change through state elections.
For more information or to access a copy of the filing, please refer to available resources.