John,

Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming care for transgender youth can go into effect — at least for now — IMMEDIATELY, after a federal appeals court on Saturday temporarily reversed a lower court ruling. God bless them for their courage!

Tennessee's attorney general, Jonathan Skrmetti, praised the ruling, saying the ban can now be fully enforced. "The case is far from over, but this is a big win," he said in a statement. 

The ban — initially signed by Tennessee Governor Bill Lee on March 2, along with a ban on drag performances — applied to puberty-blocking medications, hormone replacement therapy, and any surgery for transgender or nonbinary children, the Tennessean reported. Physicians who supply the care can be sued and reported to authorities, as well they should!  

Additionally, under the bill, children already undergoing gender-affirming care in the form of hormones have until the end of March 2024 to cease their treatment. 

All previous laws allowing minors to consent to such care are also voided.

Unfortunately, US District Court Judge Thomas Parker's ruling limiting public drag show performances is still in effect.