In a significant development, a federal appeals court has allowed Florida's controversial ban on gender-affirming care for transgender youth and its restrictive measures for transgender adults to remain in effect while legal challenges proceed. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit, in a 2-1 decision, ruled that the state is likely to prevail in the case, known as Doe v. Ladapo. The panel's majority opinion, authored by Judges Britt C. Grant and Robert J. Luck, stated that the lower court might have incorrectly judged the state's legislative intent as discriminatory. Judge Charles R. Wilson, dissenting, argued that the district court had found sufficient evidence of discrimination and warned that the ban would lead to unnecessary suffering for transgender individuals. The dispute centers on Florida Senate Bill 254, enacted in May 2023, which codifies severe restrictions on gender-affirming care and imposes criminal and civil penalties on medical providers. The law also mandates that care be provided solely by physicians and bars telehealth, creating onerous consent requirements. In June, U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle had issued a permanent injunction against the law, deeming it unconstitutional and discriminatory. The injunction was not stayed during the appeal process. The plaintiffs, represented by a coalition including GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders and the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, argue that the law violates equal protection rights and causes undue harm. The case continues as the legal battle over Florida's gender-affirming care restrictions unfolds. #Queer Up South Florida & Florida