Supreme Court Latest: Justices hear arguments on gender-affirming care for minors

The Supreme Court is hearing arguments in just its second major transgender rights case, a challenge to a Tennessee law that bans gender-affirming care for minors.

Both sides in the case say they are acting to protect minors from harm.

The votes of Chief Justice John Roberts , Justice Neil Gorsuch and Justice Amy Coney Barrett probably will decide this case.

The Human Rights Campaign says Tennessee has enacted more anti-LGBTQ+ laws than any other state since 2015 .

Florida is the only state that has enacted a law restricting gender-affirming care for transgender adults.

The treatments at the heart of today ’s arguments are also used by minors who are not transgender, including intersex people.

At least 26 states have adopted laws banning gender-affirming medical care for transgender minors.

At least 24 states have bans barring transgender women and girls from competing in certain women’s and girls’ sports competitions.

People on both sides of the issue are gathered outside the court for demonstrations that are increasing in volume.

The Supreme Court almost always issues its decisions by early summer , usually before the end of June .