Church and Society Laments the U.S. Supreme Court’s Decision to Restrict Access to Gender Affirming Care for Youth
After the state law was challenged in lower U.S. courts, the U.S. Supreme Court on June 18, 2025, upheld Tennessee’s ban on gender affirming care for transgender minors.
In 2024, the Tennessee State Legislature passed a law (SB.1) prohibiting healthcare professionals from providing gender affirming healthcare for transgender youth, including mental health counseling, and treatments for hormonal therapy and puberty blockers.
The United Methodist Social Principles “support the rights of all people…to make decisions about their own bodies and be supported in those decisions, to receive comprehensive sexual education, to be free from sexual exploitation and violence, and to have access to adequate sexual healthcare.” The Social Community, The Nurturing community, C., Human Sexuality
The Social Principles also affirm the need to advocate and stand in support of youth and families for their safety and well being. “We call on church and society to support and advocate for the well-being of all children and young people and for their safety, nurture, agency, education, and participation in church and community life.” The United Methodist Church Social Principles, The Political Community, Basic Rights and Freedoms, B., Children and Young People
As a result of the court’s decision, 26 states are pursuing similar legislation bans on gender affirming healthcare for transgender youth. Church and Society opposes bans on gender affirming care for the following reasons:
- Gender-affirming care is healthcare; and access should not be restricted.
- Gender-affirming care for minors is a process that is best handled with the engagement of parents and qualified medical doctors and professionals.
- For parents who wish to support their child’s gender identity transition, the Supreme Court ruling takes away their basic rights to access appropriate healthcare.
Actions You Can Take
- Read Church and Society’s position statement on LGBTQIA+ Human Rights.
- Denounce any state law or policy enacted under this ruling that denies gender-affirming care to transgender minors.
- Urge state legislatures and governors to reject this harmful path and protect access to comprehensive healthcare for all youth, regardless of gender identity.
- Call upon United Methodists, people of faith, and all people of conscience to actively advocate for the rights and well-being of transgender youth in their communities.
- Commit to supporting transgender young people and their families within our churches and communities, offering love, inclusion, and resources.
