Overview

• 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.