Families of transgender minors in Oklahoma filed a lawsuit contesting new limitations only hours after Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt approved a prohibition on gender-affirming medical care.
On Tuesday, opponents of Senate Bill 613 filed a case with a district court in Oklahoma, claiming that the bill “violates the constitutional rights of Oklahoma adolescents and their parents and will cause severe and irreparable harm.” Five transgender youngsters filed the lawsuit, claiming they are “thriving” thanks to their parents’ acceptance and the availability of appropriate medical treatment for gender dysphoria. The plaintiffs, according to the lawsuit, “have become active participants in their communities, are excelling in school, and are growing up to become what parents desire for their children: healthy and contributing members of our society.”
Case is being led by ACLU and Lambda Legal, who claim that Oklahoma’s restrictions on health care access violate plaintiffs’ 14th Amendment right to equal protection. On Monday, Stitt gave his stamp of approval to SB 613, making it illegal for transgender adolescents under the age of 18 to get life-saving medications like puberty inhibitors and hormone replacement therapy. Previous drafts of the plan would have barred access to this service after the age of 25.
A doctor who, under the current legislation, would be prohibited from treating minors in a gender-affirming manner is also a plaintiff. If a doctor treats a transgender youngster for gender dysphoria, they might face a criminal conviction under SB 613, as well as losing their license and being sued.