By Tranée McDonald
On December 4, 2024, the United States Supreme Court heard oral arguments in United States v. Skrmetti. This pivotal case could decide the future of transgender rights in America. The court is examining whether Tennessee’s Senate Bill 1 (SB1), which bans gender-affirming care for transgender minors, violates the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment, rendering it unconstitutional.
This case represents one of the most significant legal battles concerning transgender rights in the United States, and its outcome could set a precedent for the entire nation. Tennessee’s SB1 specifically targets transgender youth, banning access to life-saving medical treatments, such as hormone therapy and puberty blockers, but only when they are used to help a minor align their gender identity with their gender expression. In other words, these treatments are not fully banned, but their use is restricted specifically for minors who seek to live authentically in a gender that does not correspond to the sex they were assigned at birth.
This law, like similar bills passed in several other states, places a profound limitation on the autonomy and well-being of transgender minors. Today, 24 states have enacted laws restricting or outright banning gender-affirming care. The battle over transgender rights is not happening in isolation. It is deeply connected to the broader movement to restrict bodily autonomy—an effort gaining traction in recent years.
Just as we’ve seen the erosion of abortion rights following the Supreme Court’s 2022 overturning of Roe v. Wade, there is now an organized, well-funded push to control the bodies and medical decisions of transgender individuals. The underlying message is clear: certain bodies, particularly those that do not conform to traditional gender norms, must be regulated, controlled, and suppressed.
Let’s be very clear—these attacks on trans-youth are inextricably tied to religious supremacy, particularly Christian nationalism. They are rooted in a political and ideological agenda that seeks to impose conservative religious values on public policy, restricting the freedoms of people who do not align with a specific moral or cultural viewpoint. In the case of transgender youth, the driving force behind many of these legislative efforts is a radical far-right movement that views the affirmation of transgender identities as a threat to what they perceive as the traditional family structure and gender roles.
The principles of equality, justice, and compassion are foundational to many religious traditions that can guide us in this fight. Numerous faith groups have long been advocates for LGBTQ+ rights and have spoken out in support of transgender people. Their moral leadership is critical as we push back against the forces that seek to erase trans identities and deny trans people access to the healthcare they need.
At this moment, we must not allow ourselves to be divided by political or religious differences. Instead, we must unite, believing that all people deserve to live freely and without fear. This fight is not just about healthcare or legal precedent—it’s about the essence of human dignity and the right of every person to live an authentic life.
Today’s rally outside the Supreme Court was an essential act of solidarity. The stakes for transgender youth could not be higher, as the outcome of this case could determine whether they have access to life-saving medical care. I was there to lend my voice to those who are directly affected and to stand with trans youth, their families, and advocates to remind the court and lawmakers that this fight is about the well-being of real people. This moment demands unwavering support for trans youth and their access to the care they need to live healthy, full lives.
Tranée McDonald is the Policy & Advocacy Associate at Interfaith Alliance.