A Kansas judge has temporarily blocked a state law that bans gender-transition treatments for minors, siding with parents who argued the measure violates their constitutional rights to make medical decisions for their children.
State District Judge Carl Folsom III issued the ruling Friday, granting an injunction requested by the parents of two teenagers seeking to continue treatments with medicines such as hormone therapies and pubertal suppressants. The decision halts enforcement of the law, which was passed by the Republican-controlled legislature in January over Democratic Governor Laura Kelly's veto.
The lawsuit, filed with assistance from the American Civil Liberties Union, contends that the Kansas law infringes on rights protected under the state constitution, even though the U.S. Supreme Court last year allowed similar bans in other states. Folsom, appointed by Kelly, found a substantial likelihood that the plaintiffs would succeed on their claims.
"Specifically, the Court concludes that Plaintiffs are likely to prevail … based on the right to personal autonomy set out in Section 1 of the Kansas Constitution Bill of Rights and a parent’s fundamental right to make medical decisions for their children," Folsom wrote in the order.
ACLU attorney Harper Seldin, who represents the families, welcomed the outcome. "This is an enormous relief to our clients and families across the state of Kansas," Seldin said in a statement released after the ruling.
The law prohibits gender-affirming medical treatments for transgender youth diagnosed with gender dysphoria. Supporters of the measure have described it as necessary to protect minors from irreversible procedures, while opponents maintain that such care is supported by medical evidence and should remain available under parental guidance.
Kansas Attorney General Kris W. Kobach, a Republican, announced plans to appeal the injunction. Kobach described the decision as "a stark example of judicial activism," according to reports in The New York Times.
If the injunction stands through the appeals process, it would remain in effect for the duration of the lawsuit. The case highlights ongoing legal battles in multiple states over access to gender-related medical care for those under 18.
Local media outlets reported that Kobach intends to challenge the ruling vigorously, arguing that the legislature acted within its authority to regulate medical practices involving minors. The parents in the current case maintain that the treatments are essential for their children's well-being and that state intervention overrides family autonomy.
Background on the legislation shows it emerged amid national debates following the Supreme Court's ruling permitting state-level restrictions. Kansas lawmakers overrode the governor's veto in a session dominated by Republican majorities, reflecting broader partisan divides on the issue.
Advocates on one side point to studies suggesting benefits of early intervention for gender dysphoria, while critics cite concerns about long-term effects and call for more caution or outright prohibitions until adulthood. The Kansas case adds to a patchwork of court challenges testing the boundaries of state authority versus parental rights.
Officials said the temporary block applies statewide while litigation continues. No immediate changes to existing treatment protocols were reported in the days following the decision, though providers are monitoring developments closely.
The ruling comes at a time when similar laws face scrutiny in other jurisdictions, with outcomes varying based on state constitutions and judicial interpretations. Families involved expressed hope that the Kansas precedent could influence future cases.
Further proceedings are expected as the appeal moves forward, with both sides preparing arguments centered on constitutional protections and medical standards. The case remains active in state district court.