Judge Denies DOJ Request to Pause Litigation on Alabama's Transgender Care Ban for Minors

The case, challenging a law that criminalizes gender-affirming care for minors, is set to go to trial in April 2024.

Federal Judge Liles Burke, appointed by former President Donald Trump, denied the Department of Justice's request to pause litigation against Alabama's ban on gender-affirming care for minors.
The Alabama law, similar to laws in at least 22 other states, makes it a felony for doctors to perform gender-affirming procedures, including prescribing puberty blockers or hormones, on minors.
The Department of Justice requested a stay on the Alabama case, citing the rapidly evolving legal landscape and pending decisions in similar cases in Kentucky and Tennessee.
Despite the denial of the stay, Judge Burke noted that the issue could be revisited if appellate courts in Kentucky and Tennessee decide to hear related cases.
The Alabama case is scheduled to go to trial in April 2024.