Thread by @JeffRoushPoetry

I recommend this whole thread from @chrisgeidner, but Judge Hinkle’s opinion itself is fantastic. A thoughtful judge, after examining the record and laying out discussions of real human experience with transgender identify and care.
#ResistancePride
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https://twitter.com/chrisgeidner/status/1666087692747284480

“The elephant in the room should be noted at the outset. Gender identity is real.” The judge goes on to describe—based on science, medical best practices, and individual experience—how and why it is both real and innate for individuals, rather than chosen.

He also notes that defendants admitted the reality of gender identity. It turns out that, whatever the endless campaign bloviating might be, those who actually engage with facts here *know* this is the case.

The Judge develops a clear, powerful rationale for the Florida statute violating the 14th Amendment: namely, the statute on its face creates unequal protection for transgender and cisgender individuals, as cisgender people are not prohibited from the same treatments.

Finally, the opinion walks through a litany of pretexts the state provided to defend its ban on gender-affirming care. Just a powerful refutation of a stream of lies, half-truths, and garbage gathered to support a legislative decision that was never based on evidence or reason.

This is the way the law should work to check unconstitutional legislation. The problem, of course, is that this kind of political messaging legislation hurts people before it’s struck down—and in many ways, after. The uncertainty it creates prevents care and creates roadblocks.

Until we follow up this kind of legal smackdown with democratic action, legislatures like those in Florida, Texas, Ohio, and Iowa will continue to work to trample the rule of law and constitutional freedoms. Today was a win, but we can’t rest easy. Miles to go.