Florida families challenging the state's ban on medically necessary healthcare for their transgender children filed a motion asking the court to halt the ban while their case proceeds, according to a joint press release from GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD), Southern Legal Counsel Inc. (SLC), the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) and the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR).
The motionfiled on behalf of Jane Doe and minor daughter Susan Doe, Gloria Goe and minor Gavin Goe, and Linda Loe and minor daughter Lisa Loe (all pseudonyms)is at https://www.glad.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/doe-v-ladapo-motion-for-preliminary-injunction-4-24-23.pdf.
Parents told the federal district court in their motion for a preliminary injunction that the ban, which went into effect late last month, is causing their children significant harm through canceled doctors appointments and denials of treatment.
"Florida has crossed a dangerous line by letting this ban go into effect," said NCLR Legal Director Shannon Minter. "Parents, not the government, should be in charge of directing their children's healthcare. The state of Florida is interfering with family privacy and decision-making and children and parents are suffering because of it."
"No parent should be forced to sit by, powerless, while they watch their child experience unnecessary trauma and distress. This ban strips me and my husband of the right to care for our daughter and puts us in exactly that position," said Jane Doe. "Our team of doctors has confirmed that Susan will need to start puberty blocking medication very soon as the next step in treating her gender dysphoria, but the Boards of Medicine rules prohibit them or any physician in the state from providing the treatment she needs. Thanks to the care she has received to date, Susan is a happy, confident child. She's a Girl Scout, a straight-A student and has a great group of friends. It breaks my heart to know this ban could take that away. I hope the court will understand that and allow me to get my daughter the medical care she needs to keep her healthy and thriving."
Andrew Davis