Minnesota joining 20 other states in lawsuit in effort to support transgender youth

(St. Paul, MN) -- Minnesota is joining 20 other states in a lawsuit aiming to support healthcare access for transgender youth.

Attorney General Keith Ellison says K.C. v. Indiana is attempting to block the state's Senate Enacted Act 480, which prohibits healthcare professionals from providing gender affirming care to transgender youth. Ellison and the 20 other attorneys general filed an amicus brief in support of the plaintiffs on Wednesday.

“Gender-affirming care is healthcare, and nobody should be denied the healthcare they need—no exceptions," said Attorney General Ellison. “I will not sit by and watch anyone’s access to lifesaving healthcare come under political attack—much less young people who want only to be their authentic selves, and their families and communities who support them. I will continue using my office to help every person and family in Minnesota and around the country access the healthcare they need and live with dignity, safety, and respect.” 

The brief was filed in conjunction with the attorneys general from Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington. 

This isn't the first lawsuit the state has joined to support healthcare for transgender youth. In August, Ellison joined a coalition of 20 attorney's general to oppose similar laws in Tennessee and Kentucky.