Supt. Tom Horne calls for Arizona law implementing new SCOTUS decision that state prohibition of gender affirming care for minors is constitutional

PHOENIX-   Supt Tom Horne is calling for an Arizona law implementing the new United States Supreme Court decision that upheld a Tennessee law banning youth gender affirming care.

State Supt. of schools Tom Horne issued a press release calling on the state legislature to pass legislation banning youth gender care in conformity with the United States Supreme Court decision that was just issued. The Supreme Court stated:

“This case carries with it the weight of fierce scientific and policy debates about the safety, efficacy, and propriety of medical treatments in an evolving field. The voices in these debates raise sincere concerns; the implications for all are profound.”

Horne stated: “Because we have been in court vigorously defending Arizona’s law banning biological boys from competing in girls’ sports, we have thoroughly researched the evidence on the harm that such medical procedures do to young people.”

Horne added: “European countries allowed gender affirming care prior to the United States and therefore have become more familiar with the long-term negative effects. As we pointed out to the Court of Appeals in the girls’ sports case, England actually banned youth gender affirming care due to the dangers and scientific uncertainty. Sweden‘s national Board of Health and Welfare found that the risks of puberty blockers and hormones currently outweigh the possible benefits pretty heavily.”

Horne stated further: In upholding the Tennessee law, the United States Supreme Court stated that such treatments can lead to the minor becoming irreversibly sterile, having increased risk of disease and illness, or suffering from adverse and sometimes fatal psychological consequences.’ The Court also stated that ‘minors lack the maturity to fully understand and appreciate these consequences.’

Horne concluded: “20 states have banned this procedure from being inflicted on immature minors. As the Supreme Court noted, the implications for our children are profound. It is long past time for Arizona to act.”