Supreme Court “Abandons transgender children and families to political whims” in U.S. v. Skrmetti decision

WASHINGTON (June 18, 2025)—Today, the United States Supreme Court issued its ruling in U.S. v. Skrmetti, a challenge of a Tennessee law banning gender-affirming hormone therapies for transgender people under 18.

In a 6-3 decision, the Court held that Tennessee’s SB1 does not draw a sex-based (or a trans status-based) line. The ACLU and Lambda Legal provided the analysis that SB1, “only necessitates deferential review by the courts. That means SB1 can remain in effect. Notably, however, 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.”

In response, Brian K. Bond (he/him/his), CEO of PFLAG National made the following statement:

“Today’s shameful 6-3 decision by the U.S. Supreme Court is a cruel blow to doctors, transgender youth, and the loving parents of trans kids. Transgender people of all ages, like all people, deserve the healthcare they need when they need it, without barriers of discrimination. Loving parents who are doing their best to help their trans kids grow up to become thriving, happy, healthy adults should not be criminalized for that love.

“We concur with Justice Sotomayor’s dissent, in which she wrote, ‘By retreating from meaningful judicial review exactly where it matters most, the Court abandons transgender children and their families to political whims. …It also authorizes, without second thought, untold harm to transgender children and the parents and families who love them.’

“PFLAG National and the hundreds of thousands of LGBTQ+ people, parents, families and allies among our members and supporters will continue to fight for our transgender loved ones. To every transgender and nonbinary person and the families who love you: PFLAG’s got your back, now and always.”