The United States Supreme Court issued a landmark 6-3 decision upholding Tennessee’s law restricting gender-transition interventions, such as puberty blockers, hormones, and surgeries, for minors, affirming the state’s authority to protect children from risky and unproven medical practices.

The law, enacted by a bipartisan supermajority of Tennessee’s legislature, was prompted by a surge in these interventions, which can cause permanent physical changes and irreversible effects like loss of fertility, with numerous health authorities noting that risks often outweigh benefits. Chief Justice John Roberts, writing for the majority, emphasized that the Court’s role was not to judge the policy’s wisdom but to ensure it complies with the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment, leaving such debates to elected representatives and the democratic process.

Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti hailed the ruling as a victory for common sense and the protection of children, commending the legislature and Governor Lee for their courage against opposition from the Biden administration, advocacy groups, and others. Skrmetti stressed that the decision prioritizes science over ideology, addressing the rapid rise in minors seeking these interventions and safeguarding Tennessee’s children.