Court hears arguments on Arkansas trans youth treatment ban

By ANDREW DeMILLO
Associated Press

A federal appeals court panel is considering whether to continue blocking Arkansas’ ban on gender confirming medical care for transgender youths. The 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals panel heard arguments Wednesday in the state’s appeal of the preliminary injunction issued last year against the ban. The majority-Republican Legislature enacted the ban last year. An attorney for the American Civil Liberties Union said reinstating the ban would create uncertainty for families around the state. An attorney for Arkansas said the ban is within Arkansas’ authority. Multiple medical groups and the U.S. Justice Department oppose Arkansas’ ban.