Rep. Leigh Finke
PRESS RELEASE
Minnesota House of Representatives
District 66A | (651) 296-3824 | rep.leigh.finke@house.mn.gov
5th Floor, Centennial Office Building St. Paul, MN 55155
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Thuba Nguy?n
thuba.nguyen@house.mn.gov or 651-296-5812
June 18, 2025
Rep. Leigh Finke Denounces Supreme Court Decision Upholding Tennessee Ban on Gender-Affirming Care for Minors
Saint Paul, MN – Today, Rep. Leigh Finke (DFL-Saint Paul) expressed profound disappointment and strong opposition following the Supreme Court's decision to uphold Tennessee's law banning gender-affirming care for minors. The ruling marks a significant setback for trans, nonbinary, and two spirit youth and their families, infringing upon fundamental rights and access to medically necessary healthcare.
Rep. Leigh Finke released the following statement:
"The ruling is not unexpected, but it doesn't mean the grave consequences are any less heartbreaking. The decision strikes at the heart of trans identity and the ability to live our full autonomous lives. Let's be clear: this is not just an attack on our trans rights but on the Equal Protection Clause for everyone. This ruling does not change our laws in Minnesota; they remain intact.
“The Supreme Court's decision disregards established medical consensus from leading professional organizations in the United States, which affirm gender-affirming care as evidence-based and life-saving care. This ban strips parents of their right to make informed healthcare decisions for their children in consultation with medical professionals and denies essential care to vulnerable youth. Every child deserves the chance to thrive, and that includes access to the care they need to live authentic and healthy lives. We will continue to fight tirelessly to protect these rights and ensure that all young people, regardless of their gender identity, receive the support and care they deserve."
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