California Attorney General Rob Bonta has reiterated the state's commitment to ensuring access to gender-affirming care for transgender youth. This statement follows oral arguments in the U.S. Supreme Court case U.S. v. Skrmetti.
"Following oral arguments in U.S. v. Skrmetti in the Supreme Court, my office reaffirms our unwavering commitment to protecting the health and rights of transgender individuals to access medically necessary care," said Attorney General Bonta. "Laws such as Tennessee’s Senate Bill 1 are dangerous and discriminatory by denying transgender youth the critical, lifesaving care they need."
Attorney General Bonta's statement emphasizes the importance of standing against legislative measures that restrict LGBTQ+ rights. "Amid a growing wave of legislative attacks on LGBTQ+ rights, it is more important than ever to stand against these harmful measures," he stated. He also urged the Supreme Court "to protect the rights of transgender youth and ensure they are not denied the care they need to live full and authentic lives."
In September 2024, Attorney General Bonta led a coalition of 20 attorneys general in filing an amicus brief with the U.S. Supreme Court concerning this case. The brief urges reversal of a Sixth Circuit Court decision that upheld Tennessee's law banning gender-affirming care for transgender adolescents with gender dysphoria.
The lawsuit L.W. v. Skrmetti was filed against Tennessee’s Senate Bill 1, which prohibits medical professionals from using puberty blockers and hormone therapy as treatment for transgender adolescents, regardless of recommendations from medical providers or consent from minors and their parents.
The coalition's amicus brief argues that banning gender-affirming care discriminates based on sex and transgender status, violating the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution.
Gender dysphoria arises when there is incongruence between one's gender identity and assigned sex at birth, often leading to severe mental health issues if untreated. Transgender individuals face higher risks of suicide attempts compared to the general population, with rates even higher among youth.