Federal judge rules that Florida’s transgender health care ban discriminates against state employees
Federal judge rules that Florida’s transgender health care ban discriminates against state employees ABC News
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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Federal Judge Rules Florida’s Transgender Health Care Ban Violates Civil Rights
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — A federal judge has ruled that Florida’s transgender health care ban discriminates against state employees and violates their civil rights.
Judge’s Ruling
Chief U.S. District Judge Mark Walker ruled Thursday that the state’s ban violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which protects employees and job applicants from employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, and national origin.
Lawsuit Background
The lawsuit was filed in 2020 by three current and former state employees against the Florida Department of Management Services. The employees had challenged the denial of medically necessary treatment for their gender dysphoria under the state’s categorical exclusion of coverage for “gender reassignment or modification services or supplies.”
The plaintiffs are represented by Southern Legal Counsel, the ACLU of Florida, and Legal Services of Greater Miami.
Importance of the Ruling
“We are so grateful that the court is holding the state accountable for its facially discriminatory policy that carves out transgender state employees for unequal treatment,” Southern Legal Counsel attorney Simone Chriss said in a statement. “There is no nondiscriminatory reason for the state to categorically deny coverage of safe, effective, medically necessary treatment only when it is needed to treat gender dysphoria but not for the treatment of any other condition.”
Judge’s Explanation
Walker wrote in his ruling that health and pension benefits frequently represent a crucial component of an employee’s compensation, so the practical effect of denying or reducing such benefits on the basis of sex is to deny the employee an employment opportunity on the basis of sex. Walker found that the treatment of all medical conditions, including gender dysphoria, should be based on the unique needs of the patient rather than blanket exclusions.
Next Steps
The court will schedule a trial to determine the amount of plaintiffs’ damages.
Response from the Florida Department of Management Services
The Florida Department of Management Services and the governor’s office didn’t immediately respond to messages seeking comment about the lawsuit from The Associated Press.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 5: Gender Equality | 5.1 End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere | The ruling by Chief U.S. District Judge Mark Walker that Florida’s transgender health care ban violates civil rights and discriminates against state employees highlights the issue of discrimination based on gender identity. |
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | 3.8 Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection, access to quality essential health-care services, and access to safe, effective, quality, and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all | The denial of medically necessary treatment for gender dysphoria under Florida’s categorical exclusion of coverage for “gender reassignment or modification services or supplies” raises concerns about access to quality essential health-care services for transgender individuals. |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | 10.2 By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status | The ruling emphasizes the need to promote social inclusion and equal treatment for transgender state employees, highlighting the issue of inequality based on gender identity. |
Source: abcnews.go.com
