In a recent trial, U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle criticized Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for spreading misinformation about medical procedures involving transgender children.
The Republican governor, who is also a presidential candidate, has been advocating for a ban on transgender health care for minors, citing non-existent cases of genital mutilation.
The trial, which concluded recently, saw Judge Hinkle promising a swift decision in the new year on whether the law discriminates against transgender youth. In May, DeSantis approved a law prohibiting health care professionals from providing gender-affirming medical care, such as puberty blockers, hormone replacement therapy, and surgeries, to transgender minors.
The law, known as Senate Bill 254, was challenged by three Florida families with transgender children. They argued that the law would harm their children and infringe upon their parental rights to make medical decisions for their offspring.
During a hearing, Judge Hinkle, who was appointed by former President Clinton and serves in the Northern District of Florida, confronted state lawyer Mohammad Jazil. He accused DeSantis of promoting the law under the guise of protecting children from mutilation, when in reality, it prevents children from receiving necessary care, as reported by The Associated Press.
Judge Hinkle questioned the governor's motives, asking, "When I'm analyzing the governor's motivation, what should I make of these statements? This seems to be more than just hyperbole."
Senate Bill 254 also imposes restrictions on adult transgender care by limiting the providers who can offer treatments. Violators of the law could face a third-degree felony charge, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.
Jazil defended the law, stating that it was designed for public safety in an area that requires more oversight and was "not about targeting transgender individuals," according to The Associated Press.
However, Thomas Redburn, an attorney representing the plaintiffs, argued that the law has had a devastating impact on transgender youth and their families. He described it as the "product of invidious discrimination," as reported by NPR affiliate WUSF.
Judge Hinkle also questioned whether the plaintiffs could prove that DeSantis supported the law "because he hates transgender people" or whether it was motivated by legitimate health concerns. He likened the state's approach to using a sledgehammer to ban it outright.
In response, Redburn said, "You're almost never blessed with what's actually in people's minds. When you put all that together here, you have an unconstitutional statute."
Pending the outcome of the trial, Judge Hinkle has temporarily blocked the law from being enforced for youths.
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