This week saw a landmark ruling in the United States Supreme Court which upheld a Tennessee state ban on puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and performing surgeries on gender-confused children.

The law had already been upheld by the US Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, but the Biden administration appealed the decision to the Supreme Court.

The State of Tennessee had determined that the drugs can lead to irreversible sterility, increased risk of disease, and adverse psychological consequences. 

The court found the law in question was legitimately related to this finding and the State’s objective of protecting minors.

The Court’s opinion, delivered by Chief Justice John Roberts, cited findings reviews conducted in the UK and Sweden, among others, finding little to no evidence these treatments are effective in the manner their proponents claim.

On the contrary, the Tennessee law reflects concerns about such treatments in light of the state’s “legitimate, substantial, and compelling interest in protecting minors from physical and emotional harm”.

In her concurrence, Justice Amy Coney Barrett argued strongly against the notion that transgender identity is of the same category as sex or race when it comes to anti-discrimination law. Barrett pointed out that this notion would require courts to oversee a range of policy issues normally made by a legislature, including “access to restrooms to eligibility for boys’ and girls’ sports teams”.

This is a win for truth, as well as for state’s rights. 

But it is also a win for common sense, the protection of children and families, and the religious and conscience rights of people who oppose the harmful ideological narratives of the transgender movement.

It also vindicates the courageous advocacy of people like Dr Jillian Spencer, who has been stood down for opposing the medical procedures the Tennessee law bans. 

We can hope that this decision helps to change the legal and cultural landscape in the US and, eventually, such a change makes its way to Australia.