In a pivotal decision, U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle has refused to stay his ruling invalidating Florida’s restrictions on gender-affirming care. It is a move that maintains access to crucial medical treatments for transgender individuals amid ongoing legal battles. Judge Hinkle emphasized that delaying his decision would inflict "needless suffering" on transgender Floridians, citing increased risks of anxiety, depression, and suicide. He underscored the absence of any compelling state interest justifying a stay, noting that Florida previously supported gender-affirming care for years without issue. The controversial ban, implemented in March 2023 under directives from Gov. Ron DeSantis and Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo, received legislative backing through SB 254, which imposed strict penalties on medical providers offering such care. This included severe restrictions on telehealth and onerous consent requirements, effectively limiting access for both minors and adults. The lawsuit challenging these measures was filed by four transgender adults and seven parents of transgender minors. They were represented by advocacy groups, like LGBTQ Legal Advocates and Defenders (GLAAD) and the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. In response to the ruling, Jennifer Levi of GLAAD said, “Today’s ruling forcefully reiterates that health care access must be based on sound principles of medicine, not politics or bias.” Meanwhile, there has been no official statement from Florida officials regarding the court’s decision. #Queer Up Courts