The Maryland Attorney General’s Office issued the following news released on Thursday, March 14:
Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown has joined a coalition of 19 attorneys general in opposing a state law in Idaho that blocks the ability of transgender
youth to access critical, lifesaving gender-affirming care.
The plaintiffs in Poe v. Labrador, two transgender minors and their parents, sued to block Idaho’s House Bill (HB) 71, which criminalizes medical treatment for transgender minors seeking gender-affirming care. After a federal district court blocked HB 71 from going into effect, Idaho appealed to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Today, Attorney General Brown and the coalition filed an amicus brief in support of the plaintiffs, arguing that Idaho’s ban on gender-affirming care violates equal protection and stressing the importance of gender-affirming care for the health and wellbeing of transgender youth.
“Access to gender-affirming care reduces depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideations, and helps transgender youth survive adolescence and successfully transition into adulthood,” said Attorney
General Brown. “I will always champion the rights of all Marylanders to live a healthy and productive life.”
Many transgender teens suffer from gender dysphoria, which occurs when sex assigned at birth does not align with a person’s gender identity. Gender dysphoria has been found to cause severe distress and anxiety, depression, fatigue, decreased social functioning, substance misuse, and a poorer quality of life.
Among transgender people, suicide attempts are nine times more common than in the overall U.S. population. Those risks are even higher among transgender youth.
Enacted in April 2023, Idaho’s HB 71 blocks transgender youth’s access to medical treatment such as hormone therapy and puberty blockers that help treat gender dysphoria. Medical providers who violate HB 71 are guilty of a felony and face up to 10 years in prison.
In today’s brief, the coalition supports the court’s issuance of a preliminary injunction against HB 71, arguing that the law:
• Significantly harms the health and lives of transgender people by denying them medically necessary care that protects their physical, emotional, and psychological health;
• Is discriminatory and violates the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution by banning medical treatment for transgender youth while permitting it for cisgender youth; and
• Fails to recognize how inclusive laws and policies have benefited transgender individuals.
In filing the brief, Attorney General Brown joined the attorneys general of California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan,
Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Washington.
###
https://www.marylandattorneygeneral.gov/press/2024/031424.pdf
Recent Stories
Montgomery County Police responded to the report of shots fired on Wednesday, May 8 in Montgomery Village.
Dr. Charles R. Drew Elementary School, Cabin John Middle School, and Albert Einstein and James Hubert Blake high schools have been named 2024 Maryland Green Schools, bringing the MCPS total…
The Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration will hold a virtual Purple Line Community Advisory Team (CAT) meeting for the Bethesda-Chevy Chase community on Tuesday, May 14 from 6-7:30pm.
The Maryland-National Capital Park Police, Montgomery County Division and Montgomery Parks are seeking the public’s help regarding a fire that destroyed the Greenbriar Local Park main playground, located at 12525…
FREE Shred Day
Join us at Lafayette Federal Credit Union for a Free Community Shred Day, an event dedicated to helping you protect your privacy and the environment! Bring your old bank statements, bills, medical records, and any other paper documents that need secure disposal, and we'll take care of them on the spot.
Why You Should Come:
Protect Your Privacy: Safely shred sensitive documents to help prevent identity theft.
Eco-Friendly: All shredded material will be recycled, supporting our commitment to sustainability.
Complimentary Breakfast: Enjoy a free breakfast on us--start your day right with good food and good company!
Exciting Giveaways & Prizes: Don't miss out on giveaways and be sure to enter our drawing for a chance to win one of four $100 gift cards.
This event is open to all! It's a fantastic opportunity to clean out those old documents cluttering up your home, safe in the knowledge that they will be disposed of securely. Plus, it's completely free!
Don't miss out on this chance to declutter safely, enjoy some free treats, and possibly win a great prize. We look forward to seeing you there, rain or shine!
For more information, contact us at www.lfcu.events/shred.
FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival
Get ready to experience the vibrant colors, tantalizing flavors, and infectious rhythms of the Caribbean at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival! Hosted by RHU LLC, this exciting festival is set to take place on May 18, 2024, at the picturesque 16700 Barnesville Rd in Boyds, MD.
Step into a world where the Caribbean spirit comes alive! From 12:00 PM onwards, immerse yourself in a sensory journey that celebrates the unique culture, cuisine, and music of the Caribbean. Whether you're an African American, a Reggae or Soca music enthusiast, a wine lover, or part of the vibrant Caribbean diaspora, this festival promises to delight and captivate you in every way.
Let the enticing aromas of mouthwatering Caribbean dishes tantalize your taste buds. Feast on traditional delicacies prepared by expert chefs, showcasing the rich and diverse culinary heritage of the Caribbean. Indulge in flavorful jerk chicken, succulent seafood, and delectable plantain dishes that will transport you straight to the islands.
Accompanying the culinary extravaganza is a carefully curated selection of premium wines, ensuring the perfect pairing for your palate. Sip on fine wines from renowned vineyards, each sip a reflection of the Caribbean's vibrant spirit. Discover new flavors, expand your wine knowledge, and savor unforgettable moments with every glass.
As the sun sets, get ready to groove to the infectious rhythms of Caribbean music. Feel the pulsating beats of reggae, soca, dancehall, and calypso, moving your body to the lively melodies. Live performances by talented musicians and performers will keep the energy high, ensuring a night of unforgettable entertainment.
Don't miss this opportunity to embrace the Caribbean spirit and celebrate the arrival of spring in style! Tickets are available on AllEvents, so secure your spot today. Join us at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival, where cultures collide and unforgettable memories are made.
LIVE PERFORMANCES By: CULTURE Feat. Kenyatta Hill, EXCO LEVI, IMAGE BAND, RAS LIDJ REGG'GO with Special Guest SUGAR BEAR FROM E.U. & MORE! & MORE!
MUSIC By: DJ ABLAZE, DJ SMALLY & NAJ SUPREME
2 NIGHT Camping packages available: RV/CAMPER $200 | TENTS $150 Starting on Friday May 17 @ 5pm | 30 RV SPACES | 30+ TENT SPACES
KIDS 12 & UNDER FREE!!!
