In Missouri, state Attorney General Andrew Bailey enlisted regulations regarding transgender treatments and surgeries.
Now, its gone to court, and whether Bailey overstepped his authority is up in the air. However, St. Louis County Circuit Judge Ellen Ribaudo said its not simple. She needs more time to deliberate.
That means that the move is currently blocked and will not be enforced. The decision came mere hours before it was set to go into effect.
Fox News reports, The rule crafted by Republican Attorney General Andrew Bailey places requirements on minors and adults before they can receive sex-reassignment surgery, cross-sex hormones or puberty blockers. It was set to take effect Thursday, but transgender Missourians and health care providers sued to stop it from being enforced.
Ribaudo said she needs more time to review the matter before the court. This means the rule can only be implemented once her delay is over, which will be at 5:00 p.m. on Monday.
Bailey advocates for the rule, saying that it will protect children. However, many people point out that it will also impact adults. Adults must meet several requirements before receiving puberty blockers, hormone treatments, and other gender reassignment treatments. Regulations include documented gender dysphoria for at least three years, at least 18 hours of therapy that has taken place in the last 15 months, and a complete screening for autism.
Those that oppose the rule say that transgender individuals will be at risk of harm and suicide, especially those that are currently on medication and will no longer have access to it. They say the Attorney General overstepped and has no right to make this rule. Critics are also quick to claim that these treatments are not experimental but common treatments for gender dysphoria.
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