Under recent developments, a Montana state judge issued an order granting a temporary preliminary injunction against a bill banning gender-affirming treatments for transgender youth in the state. The order, which took effect last week, came as a temporary halt to Senate Bill 99 that was slated for enforcement from October 1st, 2023. More details on law.com.
The plaintiffs in this case include two transgender minors, backed by their parents, parents of an anonymous nonparty minor, and pediatric endocrinologist Dr. Juanita Hodax. The group triumphantly met the conditions for the issuance of the preliminary injunction against the legislative bill. District Judge Jason Marks found their fulfillment of the requisites satisfactory.
ACLU’s LGBTQ & HIV Project’s staff attorney, Malita Picasso, replied in support of the injunction, denouncing the law as baseless and dangerous. She further emphasized the critical importance each day holds for transgender Montanans to be able to freely access these healthcare services.
However, it’s clear that this is an ongoing battle, with Picasso pledging relentless opposition to the bill and any similar measures until each transgender individual can access the necessary care to thrive.