Michigan Stands Firm on Gender-Affirming Care Amid Supreme Court Decisions
Amidst a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision upholding restrictions on gender-affirming care in Tennessee, Michigan remains steadfast in ensuring these services remain accessible and legal. This assurance comes despite similar bans in over 20 states across the country, causing concern among LGBTQ advocacy groups.
Michigan has taken proactive steps to uphold these rights by expanding its civil rights protections to cover gender identity and expression. Jay Kaplan, a staff attorney at the ACLU of Michigan, emphasized the importance of this commitment: “While we have seen continued targeted attacks on the trans community in our state, it is crucial that trans youth and their loved ones know that gender affirming care is still safe and accessible and legal despite today’s ruling,” Kaplan stated.
Efforts to introduce legislation mirroring Tennessee’s restrictions have been made by Republican state legislators in Michigan. Representative Brad Paquette (R-Niles) proposed a bill in May aiming to shield “minors from chemical and surgical mutilation,” language reflecting the Trump administration’s stance on gender-affirming treatments. However, with Democrats controlling the state Senate, the likelihood of such legislation passing remains low.
Kaplan asserted that any attempt to impose such a ban would likely face legal challenges, citing Michigan’s expanded Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act. This act enforces legal protections for sexual orientation and extends coverage to gender identity and expression.
Emme Zanotti from Equality Michigan Action Network urged those affected to report any disruptions in care. In a press conference, Zanotti criticized certain Michigan politicians who aim to replicate Tennessee’s policies, warning that, “They want Michigan to turn into Tennessee, who ranks in the bottom 10 of all U.S. states as it relates to health care. I’ll be clear for them. Michigan does not go backward.”
Attorney General Dana Nessel has been vocal in her opposition to federal efforts to restrict gender-affirming care. In response to President Trump’s executive order seeking to withhold federal funds from providers offering such care, Nessel reaffirmed healthcare providers’ obligations to comply with Michigan anti-discrimination laws. In a February letter, she highlighted, “Refusing healthcare services to a class of individuals based on their protected status… may constitute discrimination under Michigan law.”
Advocates remain vigilant, urging state leaders to continue to protect access to healthcare for all citizens, particularly the vulnerable transgender youth community.
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